Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in D6630

Student Information

Dear Rotary Leadership Camp Participant:

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD (RYLA) CAMP to be held Sunday, June 15th through the evening of Thursday June 19th, 2008 at Hiram College.

We feel that we have a well-balanced program for you that will include speakers covering such topics as Leadership Styles, Public Speaking, Decision Making, Time Management, Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Career Counseling. We will also have a full day Experiential Training Session focusing on Leadership and Group Dynamics.

After your involvement with the speakers, you will gather in small groups for discussion sessions.  Following the discussion sessions, there will be R&R time including swimming, tennis, movies, etc.  Most of the R&R times will not be related to leadership, but are opportunities for members and staff to get to know each other, share ideas and thoughts, as well as to relax and have fun.  You will also be working on a group project for the closing banquet.

You will be staying in Whitcomb Residence Hall on 6851 Hinsdale Street in Hiram, Ohio - 44234. (The residence hall location is subject to change, so look for the RYLA signs when you get to Hiram.)  There will be a camp director and a counselor for every ten (10) participants.

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING - casual clothing, sport clothing, tennis shoes, tennis racquets, ball gloves, musical instruments, etc., plus clothing appropriate for the closing banquet (dress clothes outfit).  You should also bring toiletries, a fan, and a limited amount of money, but bring some money for the movie for snacks.  You may also want to bring a radio for entertainment.  It is also suggested by past participants that you bring some snack foods since you will be eating cafeteria food which does not appeal to all appetites.

Bring your own linens:  At least 2 sheets, 1 blanket or sleeping bag, 1 pillow with case, 2 towels, 2 washcloths. 

There will be a $15.00 deposit required for the room key.  This will be returned when the key is returned on Thursday evening.

Important note: There is a lost key charge of $75.

In the RYLA forms folder you will find a Medical Release Form.  This must be signed and presented at registration.  If this is not signed and presented at registration, you will not be allowed to attend the camp. (Even if you have already filled out a medical release, it is best to bring a signed copy with you, in case the original was lost in processing.)

No automobiles will be permitted.

Leaving the camp will not be permitted.

On Wednesday there will be an idea exchange. Please be prepared to talk about and/or display ideas about programs, fund-raising activities, events etc.

Thursday night there will be a banquet that we hope your parents as well as your Rotary Club Chairman and any club members will attend.  The cost of your meal is included in your package; however, there will be a charge of $15.00 for each of your parents and visiting Rotarians.  This will be a buffet with 2 entrees plus salad bar, dessert, and beverage.  We’ll need to know how many parents etc. will be attending this banquet at the time of registration.  Banquet entertainment will be provided by the RYLA participants.  The banquet will begin at 6:00 P.M. and end at 8:00 P.M.  You will return to your homes after the banquet.

We know that you will have an interesting and exciting week.

We look forward to seeing you at registration at Whitcomb Residence Hall, on Hinsdale Street in Hiram, on Sunday, June 15th between 3:00 & 4:30 P.M.

If you have any questions about camp, please call Camp Director, Marc West:

Office: 440-826-3483
Home: 440-826-2434
Cell: 440-532-8651
email: mwest@bw.edu

Emergency Numbers at Hiram College:

Hiram College Switchboard: 330-569-3211
Marc West – Camp RYLA
On-Site Director Hall Phone Number: 330-569-5064
Conference Services: 330-569-5187

Student Information Letter with Directions & Map

Each year in June, District 6630 hosts a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp which focuses on enhancing the leadership skills of High School students who will be leaders in their Senior Class in the Fall. The students, sponsored by Local Rotary Clubs, are chosen for their leadership potential. During the 5-day all-expenses-paid camp the students stay in dorms and participate in a very interactive program (see schedule).

RYLA aims to:

• 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 as well as peer networking and;
• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.