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RYLA CAMP PARTICIPANT
 
 
 
 

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP
 AWARD CAMP (RYLA)

 
Summer 2026
 
Dear Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Participant:
 
Congratulations on being selected to participate in the ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD (RYLA) CAMP to be held Sunday, June 21 through the evening of Thursday June 25, 2026 at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.  The camp is pronounced 

Rye-La

 – Camp RYLA for short. Please read the entire letter as it contains application information and forms that are required for you to complete to attend Camp RYLA.
 
We feel that we have a well-balanced program for you that will include speakers covering such topics as Leadership Styles, Communication, Decision Making, Diversity and much more. 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 Rest & Relaxation (R&R) time including tennis, pickleball, etc. Most of the R&R times will not be related to leadership, these 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 Henry Hall on Hiram’s campus, 6839 Hinsdale Street, Hiram, Ohio - 44234. Please look for the yellow and blue Camp RYLA signs when you get to Hiram, OH./Hiram College. There will be one camp director and one counselor for every ten (10) participants.
 

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:

Required Items:
  • Casual clothing (Sweatshirt or Hoodie for the air- conditioned buildings)
  • Sport clothing
  • Tennis shoes
  • Clothing appropriate for the closing banquet  (business attire dress clothes)
  • Toiletries
  • Bring your own linens: At least 2 sheets, 1 blanket or sleeping bag (we are in an air conditioned building that could get cold, so please bring a blanket), 1 pillow with case, 2 towels, 2 washcloths.
  • Good Attitude and wanting to have FUN!
 
Optional Items:
  • Tennis racquets and tennis balls
  • Ball gloves and baseballs
  • Pickleball racquets and pickleball balls
  • Musical instruments
  • Limited amount of money; bring some money for the bowling alley snacks
  • You may also want to bring a device for playing music; leave the videos at home
  • 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.
 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • There is a lost key charge of $150.
 
  • At this site, there are 3 forms that must be completed in order for you to attend. The Application; Medical Release Form and the Photo Consent, Release and Authorization. The Medical and Photo Consent forms must be filled out by your Parent/Guardian/Family member. If this is not on file at registration, you will not be allowed to attend the camp. (Even if you have already filled out a medical release and photo consent, release and authorization, 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 one of the days of Camp there will be an idea exchange. Please be prepared to talk about and/or display ideas about programs, fund-raising activities, events etc.
 

BANQUET RESERVATIONS:

Thursday night there will be a banquet that we hope your parents/family as well as your Rotary Club Chair and any club members will attend. The cost of your meal is included in your package; however, there will be a charge for each family member, guests and visiting Rotarians (Prices for the following will apply: 0-3years: Free; 3-9 years: $15.00; 10 years – Adult: $25.00). This will be a buffet with entrees plus salad bar, dessert, and beverage.  
 
To help us get an estimated head count in advance, on the application form, please indicate the number of people you expect to attend (parents, siblings and family members etc.).  This is NOT your reservation - it is just to help us with head counts - the actual reservations are taken online for the banquet and during your camp registration. 
 
The Online Banquet reservation form is available May 1st and will accept credit cards or you can indicate that you will pay at the door (cash or check). 
If paying by check, make check payable to Rotary District 6630, memo section Camp RYLA.
 
 Banquet entertainment will be provided by the RYLA participants. The banquet will begin at 6:00pm and end at 8:00pm. You will return to your home after the banquet.
 
We know that you will have an interesting and exciting week.
 
We look forward to seeing you at East Hall for registration.

East Hall (Residence Hall/Dormitory)
Hiram College 
11775 Winrock Road
Hiram, OH 44234.
JUNE 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM Camp Check-In/Registration

 
If you have any questions about camp,
please contact the District Chair for Camp RYLA, Marc West:
 
Cell:       440-532-8651