Posted by Robert Zeglarski on Jul 15, 2018
Natalie Tribiano & Parth Shah 
Natalie Tribiano and Parth Shah visited Rotary Roselle-Roselle Park to tell about their experience at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards weekend at Drew University last June. The cub sponsored 6 students this year at $275 each. Read more about the program below. www.roselle-roselleparkrotary.org
 
This year Rotary districts 7510 and 7470 teamed up to present RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award).  RYLA merges the best skills from both districts and was held June 15, 16, 17  at Drew University in Madison.  The weekend is designed for Rotary to show the best of what it can do to inspire the next generation in the ideals of Rotary. 
 
Capacity for RYLA is 80 students and this year we had another sell-out.  Registration deadline was May 31 and is first come first served. 
 
District 7470’s RYLA lead facilitator Camper Bull has provided leadership of our local RYLA for 27 years; He also facilitates RYLA in three other districts around the country as well as internationally.  He has been recognized by Rotary Directors as the "best facilitator of leadership programs for youth in the country".
 
This dynamic three-day program is designed to engage the students in active conversation, cooperation, and creativity to not only show them that there are like-minded people but also how to engage with them to make sure their ideas come to fruition.  Former participants have started multi-million dollar charities, international service projects, and one notable individual was recognized by the New York Times as Woman of the Year in 2011 and as CNN Hero of the Year in 2015 for her founding of an orphanage and school in Nepal.
 
Students arrive Friday afternoon where we use a unique integrated "get to know you process" so students feel like they’ve known each other for their entire life. Saturday morning we bring in renown speakers - they are notable leaders who can speak directly to high school students. In the past we’ve had:
President of Bell Atlantic
President of AT&T
Ambassador from Rotary International to the United Nations
NFL referee
New York Times best-selling author
University President
Local elected officials
On Saturday afternoon, students take what they learned and put the skills into action in an experiential learning experience  custom-designed for RYLA.  The activity teaches cooperation, team building and how the ideals of Rotary can work in real life situations.  It also reinforces leadership skills like no classroom can.
 
Saturday night is considered the highlight of the weekend. We invite a motivational speaker who teaches the students, in a unique way, that nothing is impossible and that they can achieve any dream they want.  This is the part of the weekend no one ever forgets!
 
Sunday is Rotary Day were students are introduced to Rotary programs, the principles of service and how to engage these principles in local communities, the nation  and in the world with Rotary’s support and framework.
 
Over the last 27 years our RYLA has evolved and has become a model for RYLA's across the country. Students come away with a profound understanding of Rotary and their ability to change the world.
 
To make sure students truly understand the practice, we ask that the Rotary clubs pay for students to attend. The cost  is $275 per student which includes the RYLA program, dorm room accommodations, meals, and all support materials.