Bermuda Rotary Clubs — Hamilton, Pembroke, St George’s and Sandys — are sending students to a Rotary Leadership Camp in Alpine, New Jersey, for a weekend of Leader Training.

The Rotary Connection

Rotary is one of the largest international service associations, with over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and areas. Its members are dedicated to humanitarian service, high ethical standards in their personal and professional life and the promotion of world understanding and peace.

One of the goals of Rotary is to help young people develop their leadership abilities and self confidence to the fullest. To accomplish this goal, Rotary Clubs prepare thousands of young leaders through Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programmes each year. RYLA events are organised and facilitated by Rotary volunteers.

Rotary Clubs also sponsor other, complimentary programmes for young people. They include Rotaract (a service club for young adults), Interact (a service club for high school students) and Youth Exchange (a chance to live and study abroad).

What is RYLA?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a programme that originated with Rotary International and has subsequently been specifically designed by Rotary District 7230 for the students in Bermuda, Staten Island, Westchester County and New York.

The activities are carried out in various parts of the world, various lengths of time at various times of the year. Each year thousands of high school juniors take part in this worldwide experience. At District 7230 RYLA the students will be joined by facilitators who have experience in the programme and are the best in offering their assistance to the students.

The facilitators are overseen by the Adult Leaders, who are people of good standing in their community, along with their certification regarding the Youth Protection Order.

What is RYLA’s focus?

RYLA focuses on leadership and professional development. The purpose of RYLA is to give high school juniors an opportunity to listen and exchange ideas with other outstanding community and student leaders. RYLA core curriculum includes:

• Fundamentals of leadership.

• Ethics of positive leadership.

• Importance of communication skills in effective leadership.

• Building self confidence and self esteem.

• Rotary’s purpose of service to the community and world.