Get Ready for RYLA

Get ready for an incredible week of challenge, growth, connection and fun.

RYLA is an immersive leadership experience designed to help you discover more about yourself, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills that will stay with you long after the program ends.

The more you put into the week, the more you'll get out of it. Come with an open mind, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and a readiness to embrace every opportunity.

Before You Arrive

To help create the best possible experience for everyone, we ask that you:

✅ Arrive well rested and ready to participate fully.

✅ Refrain from using alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping during the program.

✅ Remain onsite for the duration of the program (except in emergencies).

✅ Treat everyone with kindness, respect and inclusion.

RYLA brings together participants from many different backgrounds and experiences. Creating a supportive and welcoming environment is something we all contribute to.

What Will I Be Doing?

RYLA is an intensive and highly interactive program, with every day packed full of activities, workshops, discussions and challenges.

Days start early and finish late, but that's all part of the experience.

Throughout the week you'll take part in:

• Leadership workshops
• Team challenges
• Guest speaker sessions
• Personal development activities
• Group discussions and reflections
• Outdoor and physical activities
• Social and community-building experiences

Some activities will challenge you physically. Others will challenge the way you think, communicate and lead.

No two days are the same, and you'll often surprise yourself with what you're capable of.

Your Small Group

When you arrive, you'll be placed into a Small Group.

Your Small Group will complete many activities, discussions and debriefs together throughout the week.

For many participants, these groups become the heart of the RYLA experience. They provide support, encouragement and often form some of the strongest friendships that come out of the program.

Challenge by Choice

One of the core principles of RYLA is Challenge by Choice.

We encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and embrace new experiences. From years of experience, we've seen that the participants who gain the most from RYLA are often those who are willing to challenge themselves and have a go.

All activities are conducted in a safe manner, and RYLA has full public liability insurance as a Rotary Project.

That said, participation is always your choice.

We'll support and encourage you every step of the way, but ultimately you decide how far you'd like to stretch yourself.

Challenge yourself. Surprise yourself. Grow.

Mobile Phones & Staying Connected

We ask that mobile phones are handed in during registration, or simply left at home.

We know that being offline for a week can seem daunting. However, one of the most common pieces of feedback we receive from past participants is that disconnecting from technology was one of the most valuable parts of their RYLA experience.

Without constant notifications and distractions, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Be fully present
• Build genuine connections
• Focus on your personal growth
• Get the most from every activity

Of course, if you need to access your phone for important reasons, such as checking in with family or managing work commitments, we'll be happy to help. Phone access is generally available during meal times when required.

Our advice? Embrace the opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in the experience.