What to expect from RYLA
“Rotary Youth Leadership Awards”
RYLA is a meaningful leadership experience where students will get to know themselves as they work in teams with other students from Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe counties in Florida and Grand Bahama Island, which are all part of our Rotary District. They will be challenged to step out of their comfort zones as they expand their communication and problem-solving skills.
RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, is an Award. Students apply and are interviewed by their local Rotary Clubs. If selected, they are given the opportunity to experience RYLA.
NOTE: There will be many more applications than there are slots so not every applicant will be selected. Those not selected may be placed on an alternates list, in case of cancelation by a registered student.
The conference is conducted at Florida Sea Base in Islamorada, Florida Keys. Sea Base is a Boy Scout camp that has hosted thousands of students over the last 45 years. They are fully equipped to provide a safe environment where students can thrive. Students will stay in dorms with students of the same gender. There is no comingling. Meals are served from the Sea Base cafeteria.
RYLA is not a school or District program but is generally embraced as a valuable opportunity for students and supported by teachers and administrators.
Students do not need the school’s permission to attend but each school decides how to record the day off of school required to participate in RYLA. (Friday, January 30th) It is the same decision for you as the student leaves a day early for a family vacation or a non-school sports tournament. It is totally up to the student and their parents to decide.
NOTE to Parents- Students will have limited access to their cellphones during the days which are full or activities. They will be able to check in with you in the morning before breakfast and after 10:00pm. We will provide a phone number for you to call in case of emergency.
Students will be asked to submit a dietary limitations/allergy form along with signing a Code of Conduct.
FAQ's
How do I get to RYLA?
RYLA is held at Florida Sea Base in Islamorada, Florida Keys
Students from Broward & Miami-Dade are required to ride the charter buses provided.
Monroe County students can carpool, be dropped off or drive themselves- but if driving themself, the car must be parked for the weekend the keys secured by staff.
Transportation for students from Grand Bahama Island will be arranged by the sponsoring Rotary Clubs.
What is the cost to attend?
There is no cost for a student to participate in RYLA. The Rotary Clubs in our District understand the value of RYLA in preparing our youth for the future so they generously sponsor each student for $350 each.
What if I cannot stay the whole weekend?
To participate in RYLA you MUST commit to attend the entire weekend, Friday- Sunday. You cannot arrive late or leave early. If you have other obligations that would not make this possible, do not apply. Also, this commitment includes taking a day off of school, Friday January 30th. PLEASE check your school, sports, band and family calendars to assure that you can commit to the RYLA weekend before accepting this award.
What if I have to cancel my participation in RYLA?
If for ANY reason you find that you cannot attend RYLA, you must communicate this to your sponsoring Rotary Club and the RYLA Registrar as soon as possible so an alternate can be selected to take your place. Registrar: District6990RYLA@gmail.com
You have been personally selected for participation in RYLA and a Rotary Club has made a $350 contribution in your name, so we ask that you take this commitment seriously.