The 2015 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Seminar will be held April 17-19, 2015 at Camp Kitaki near Louisville NE.  High school juniors are eligible to apply. 
 
RYLA encourages clubs to nominate students.  Many clubs partner with local high schools to identify potential applicants.  The application forms are available on the District 5650 Website - RYLA page. 
 
Clubs are asked to nominate 2 students (ideally, one male and one female).  The cost to clubs is $200 per student.  This year the district is reimbursing clubs up to $100 for one student. This is a wonderful development.
 
The camp, in its fourth year, focuses on youth leadership development.  Past evaluations have been very positive.  Students learn about how to make a positive impact as emerging leaders in their communities as well as internationally.  One of the running themes of the camp is the “Country Challenge”. This unique group activity allows teams of students to conceive and develop model global humanitarian initiatives.  The teams discuss how to work cross culturally to develop sustainable projects.  They do research on assigned countries to determine needs and then design projects collaboratively with an international partner. 
 
Other activities include the Kitaki Outdoor Challenge course, the “egg drop challenge”, speakers on business ethics, Rotary International exchanges, our place as informed global citizens, international hot spots (last year we skyped people in Ukraine during the war there) as well as having Peace Corp. volunteers as speakers and many other resource people.  We also had lots of fun activities such as a dance, nightly camp fires, hiking to the Platte river, etc,  The camp is designed for people who envision themselves as emerging change agents.  We hope that this experience will encourage students to pursue leadership opportunities now and throughout their lives.   Please strongly consider applying if you are high school junior with leadership aspirations.  Clubs please seek out such students at local high schools.  Children and grandchildren of Rotarians are welcome to apply. 
 
We are asking clubs to commit to Sponsoring two students.  This would entail clubs paying for the cost of nomination at $200 per student.  The time line is short.  We would like your club to notify the RYLA committee as soon as possible if you are willing to participate this year.    We would like a letter or email from your club president or representative with your commitment and signed commitment form. 
 
Feb, 27, 2015 - Deadline for Club RYLA Chair to receive student applications
Mar. 15, 2015 - Applications due to the district
 
For further information contact:
Tom Cardwell, District 5650 RYLA Chair
402-228-8220 or 402-239-9097 or thomasrcardwell@yahoo.com 
 
Jim Pink, District 5650 RYLA Co-Chair
626-375-3290 or thinkjimpink@gmail.com