Rotary Youth Leadership Events Accepting Applications

(Great Resume Builder for High School Students)

Elgin, IL January 15, 2025— Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA for short, is an all-expense paid weekend of training and bonding experiences for high school students. It takes place at the YMCA Camp Edwards in East Troy, Wisconsin. Students have two weekends to choose from: March 6-9 and April 3-6.   Rotary supports our future leaders.

“We must spread the word so every student has this opportunity to learn about leadership and working with others,” said Ben Henrikson, RYLA Chairman for the Elgin Breakfast Rotary Club. “This is an amazing event for current high school students and an excellent addition to their resume. Not only do they get a weekend away with other students, but they have fun activities, lodge-type accommodations, great speakers, and delicious meals. There is so much to do at the camp including outdoor activities, indoor gymnasium, and much more.” 

Laurie Bitter, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Elgin, said “Our two Elgin clubs cover the camp costs for local students.  There are no charges to students. Transportation to and from the camp is provided. Students are chaperoned by passionate Rotarian volunteers all weekend.  Parents are welcome to visit anytime. Please share this information with high school students in the area. Students who have attended have called it a Life Changing experience.  They learn how to excel in leadership roles and are amazed at how much they learn about themselves.” 

The Elgin Rotary Clubs have made student applications available to the following local high schools: Central, Elgin High, Harvest Christian Academy, Larkin, South Elgin, St Edwards, and Westminster. Applications should be turned in as soon as possible. Rotary tries to accommodate as many students as possible and students with complete applications turned in timely are given a priority.  Applications and more information can be found at: https://www.rotary5000.org/ryla.htm. 

If you would like more information or an application sent to you, please reach out to alankirk@me.com or call 847-815-4895 OR elginrotary@gmail.com or Laurie at her office:  847-888-2555. 

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information: The Rotary Club of Elgin (Breakfast) at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2030 and The Rotary Club of Elgin (Noon) at: www.RotaryClubofElgin.org

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Contacts: Alan Kirk, alankirk@me.com, 847-815-4895  or Laurie Bitter, elginrotary@gmail.com  847-888- 2555

Photo Credit: RYLA/District 6440 Rotary