RYLS

The 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) took place, May 11-14, 2023 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre! The 3-night experience , geared toward youth between the ages of 17-23 offerred an inspiring program including: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reconciliation and Land Based Education, Hands-on Activities, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Outdoor Survival and GPS Geocache adventures along with campfires, friendship and tons of fun and learning!!! 
 
 
ABOUT THE 2023 PROGRAM
 
 
Hats off to Past District Governor Mark Chipman and his committee for Rotary District 7070's 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium, May 11-14, 2023,  at the beautiful Ganaraska Forest Centre, an environmentally sensitive, overnight outdoor education facility located in the heart of the majestic Ganaraska Forest just north of Port Hope!
The 3-night experience, geared toward youth between the ages of 17-23 offerred an inspiring program:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
Reconciliation and Land Based Education
Hands-on Activities
Group Dynamics
Public Speaking
Outdoor Survival
GPS Geocache adventures
along with campfires, friendships and tons of fun and learning!!!

THE RYLS OBJECTIVE

To empower young leaders to develop new skills and take action.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (formerly RYLA) of Rotary District 7070 gathers youth ranging from ages 17 to 23 for an immersive program focused on diversity, leadership, and action.

 

Commitment by the RYLS Participant:

Join a meeting of the sponsoring club prior to attending RYLS to meet Rotarians and learn about Rotary.

Upon completion of RYLS, return to the sponsoring Rotary to address the Rotarians about his/her RYLS experience.
 
 
SELECTION CRITERIA
The RYLS program requires selflessness, self-awareness and previously exhibited leadership qualities. In order to benefit from the lectures, activities and tasks of the program, candidates selected for the RYLS program need the ability to communicate effectively and to work well with other young people.
 
1. ACADEMIC LEVEL & AGE
The principles of adult education are assumed and applied. Therefore a degree of academic maturity is required.

Candidates in the 17 to 23 age group and who are attending high school, college, university or who are employed full-time are most suited to the program.
 
2. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
Potential candidates must have demonstrated leadership and the willingness to participate in their community through active involvement in Rotaract, school clubs and/or other volunteer organizations.
 
 
THE PROGRAM
Simulated games designed as a thought-provoking series of action-oriented activities

Small group discussions on the thought process and behaviors that surface from the lectures and simulations

An opportunity to discuss individual and group issues and concerns

Structured recreational activities

Leisure activities and fellowship
 
 

From Mark Chipman:

"The 2023 D7070 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) was a 4-day immersive experience focussing on diversity, leadership and action for 24 participants (ages 17-23) held this past weekend at the Ganaraska Forest Centre. In addition, we put together 206 Hygiene Kits for young girls in the Dominican Republic and gathered boxes of food to be donated to the Durham Outlook for the Needy. It was a privilege to be a part of the amazing planning team. I certainly got more out of this event than I put in!"

 

Here are just a few photos. You can see all of the photos in the photo album on the District 7070 website. Be sure to take a look.

 

 

 

 Photos and information from above article are courtesy of Rotary District 7070 Website.
 
 Rotary Club of Alliston chose Nadisha Hutchinson as our representative to attend RYLS. Nadisha Hutchinson (photo below)was a former member of our Interact Club and now a student at Trent University in Peterborough.