Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Rotary International District 5580 Crookston Rotary Club ( )

RYLA International Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of Rotary International’s nine structured programs designed to help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process.

RYLA History The first RYLA was held in July 1961 in Brisbane, Australia. It became a structured RI program in District 5580 RYLA’s Camp began in in Crookston, Minnesota at the University of Minnesota, Crookston with 27 students in attendance.

RYLA History District 5580 Was founded by Don R. Cavalier and Dick Larson from the Crookston Rotary Club in cooperation with the Local District 5580 Rotary Club, Rotary International, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston in It is staffed and operated by volunteer Rotarians and former Junior and Assistant RYLArians from 65 Clubs in District 5580, in Minnesota, North Dakota, Northwest Ontario Canada, and Wisconsin.

RYLA History District Chairperson-Dr. Richard Larson- Crookston Rotary Club Director Director Donald R. Cavalier Crookston Rotary Club Chairperson-Donald R. Cavalier Director Earl Rogers-Duluth Skyline Rotary Club Director Marty Byrnes 2012-… Chairperson Marty Byrnes 2012-… Director Eric Hjelden

RYLA History Year Campers Families Rotary International District 5580 Rotary Clubs Represented

What is RYLA? RYLA is an intensive training program for youth ages Programs are typically in the form of seminars and workshops. District 5580 ‘s camp is 7 days in length and is organized by the Crookston Rotary club, of Crookston, Minnesota.

RYLA Goals District 5580 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp: Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth. Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders. Encourage leadership of youth by youth. Publicly recognize young people who are providing service to their communities.

RYLA’s Core Curriculum District 5580’s RYLA Camp is tailored to meet the needs of its participants, and the core curriculum includes: Fundamentals of leadership Ethics of positive leadership Importance of communication skills in effective leadership Problem-solving and conflict management Rotary’s purpose and service to the community Building self-confidence and self-esteem Elements of community and global citizenship The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens The Rotary Four Way Test BAFA

RYLA’s Core Curriculum Promoting “Youth Leading Youth” Concept Low Ropes Challenges Developing each camper: Mentally, Socially/Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically. Family Time Discussions-Students will have an opportunity to explore their personal strengths, set goals for the future, and apply the principles learned through active interaction.

Benefits of RYLA Develops youth leadership skills and self confidence while exposing them to community leaders and mentors Inspires new ideas for service, increases support of projects, and helps develop future potential members

RYLA Guidelines Highly flexible Age range is One Week in Duration Organized and run by Rotarians of the Crookston Rotary Club Sponsored by 65 Rotary Clubs of District 5580.

Sample RYLA Themes Leadership in a global society Leadership at your school/in your community Ethics in Business Ethics and the Environment

How to Organize a RYLA District 5580 and Crookston Rotary Clubs RYLA committee. Target age group Location-University of Minnesota, Crookston. Promote the event to the Clubs in District 5580 communities, schools, and Interact, or Rotaract clubs.

Role of District The district RYLA chair is appointed by the district governor and selects the RYLA committee, which: Selects program dates Selects site Develops a budget Determines program agenda Promotes to clubs

Role of Clubs Rotarians at the club-level: Select awardees Provide sponsorship Develop expectations of youth upon return from program Encourage their participation in other District 5580 Programs.

Resources The following resources are available on the RI Web site: RYLA section RYLA Brochure RYLA Handbook RYLA staff Rotary E-Learning Center