RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Program . Camp RYLA is a RotaryDistrict 5170 sponsored event. High School students from all over Bay area are selected to attend RYLA, who demonstrate leadership in school and in the community. Many of the students are from the Interact Clubs.
The Students receive scholarship for 4 days camp to become better leaders, foster better friendship and actively apply what they learn in the camp the lives and communities. RYLA leadership skills ground in the fundamentals of the ‘4 Way Test’.
The first camp in district 5170 was held in June 1984, which was created by group of Rotarians namely Dave Ditto, Dick Hennaing, Rick King, Jerry Pettibone, Bud Meddalena and John Fisher.
Now it has developed into 8 part leadership curriculum overseen by Dr Ed Curramang and taught by the Alumni of Camp RYLA. The counselors are very dedicated and are typically in college or early in their career. They are so enthusiastic about spreading the energy and joy bringing new learning to the campers. The counselors are very dedicated and aspire to become Rotarians in the future.
The campers participate in Speech and Debate, Sports activities ,Skits around camp fire, RYLA Studio with photography, videography, digital-editing and technology skills . In Entertainment they host Tuesday Night Live, in Band and Choir campers perform using their stage directing talents.
These structured programs help the campers to learn and enhance their skills to perform in the activities of the Camp.
This year the camp was held from June 24 to June 29, 2023 in beautiful Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center Scotts Valley Ca. The Dave Ditto BBQ was on the 28th June. It was an amazing evening of celebrations with performances by the campers, good food and enjoying the company of fellow Rotarians.
We had sent 3 students this year: Alex and Brandon from Leigh High School and Alina from Los Gatos High School. They will share their learning and fun experience at the meeting.