Kaden Carstens, Kendria Shirts, and Zachary Dustin are the 2026 RYLA Campers sponsored by the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls this year.
RYLA is a Rotary-sponsored program that provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills through workshops, activities, and experiential learning. It was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971 and has since become one of the organization’s fastest-growing youth programs, taking place worldwide. The program emphasizes Rotary’s core value of “Service Above Self” and aims to inspire participants to become responsible, ethical, and effective leaders.
RYLA events typically target high school juniors and seniors, college students, and young professionals under 30, though some districts may include younger participants. Participants are usually nominated by local Rotary clubs, and in many cases, the program is offered free of charge, supported by Rotary members and scholarships.
The format of RYLA varies by location and community needs. Programs can range from one-day seminars to weeklong camps, often lasting 3–10 days. Activities include:
Leadership workshops and presentations
Team-building exercises and problem-solving challenges
Outdoor adventure and experiential learning programs
Discussions on ethical decision-making, communication, and community service.
Some programs, like those at Grizzly Creek Ranch in California, incorporate ropes courses and character-building exercises to enhance trust, cooperation, and resilience.