Mission Springs camp in the breathtaking Santa Cruz mountains was full of energy as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) wrapped yet another successful camp June 25-30th, 2017.

Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people, ages 14-17, are chosen for their leadership potential. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event’s curriculum. This Camp RYLA is sponsored by Rotary District 5170.

High school students from around the Bay Area are selected to attend RYLA for leadership demonstrated at school or in the community. Many, but not all, of our students are a part of their school Interact Clubs. These students receive scholarships to a week long leadership camp where they learn skills about how to become better leaders, build better friendships, and how to actively apply what they have learned at camp to their lives, schools, and communities.

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; and
  • Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

RYLA was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, and is one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service. RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of Rotaract and Interact clubs. RYLA participants often go on to become Youth Exchange students or Ambassadorial Scholars.

Rotary Club of Los Gatos were able to pay for 5 students; 4 from Los Gatos and 1 from Leigh High School.  Photo includes Los Gatos Morning Club Rotarians and students selected from Leigh & Westmont High.