Program Overview
See the About RYLA page for general program description, and info about how to apply for RYLA. The RYLA 7910 Conference is presented by Rotary District 7910. This is not a function of Fitchburg State University.
“Must-Know” Info - IMPORTANT!
RYLA
Attendees MUST commit to attending the entire conference for the three days that they are scheduled. NO EXCEPTIONS can be made.
If a participant discovers they will not be able to attend ALL 3 DAYS of RYLA, they should contact their Sponsoring Rotary Club immediately. If the sponsor club cannot be reached, contact the RYLA Registrar. A timely call will allow an alternate to attend in your place. Your sponsoring Rotary Club has paid for someone to attend, and every participant is important to the program.
In the weeks leading up to RYLA, participants and parents who have registered will receive a series of emails with reminders and information about RYLA. Most of that information is also on this website.
Participants will also be contacted directly by their RYLA Group Facilitator.
What Happens at RYLA?
See the Students & Parents FAQ page for the answer to this, and other Frequently Asked Questions.
Key Dates & Deadlines
APPLICATION: Deadline varies; usually February or March; sometimes as early as January.
Deadline for application is specified by the sponsoring Rotary Club. Ask your local Rotary Club or Guidance Counselor for the deadline date. Application forms may be submitted to your school, or your local Rotary Club - it should be indicated on the application.
If you are selected to attend RYLA, you will be notified by your sponsoring Rotary Club. At that time, you will be asked to "Register".
The in-person RYLA Conference is held annually during the last weekend in June.
Logistics
- Students participating in RYLA should plan to arrive at RYLA on Friday morning as assigned, no later than the time communicated in the pre-emails. It is very important NOT TO BE LATE, because activities begin immediately after check-in.
- Click here for Directions
- Transportation: The student may choose from the following options:
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They may be driven to and from the conference by a family member. The Rotary Club that sponsored their attendance is prepared to assist with transportation if necessary. Please contact your sponsoring Rotary Club if needed.
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Students may not drive themselves. No student vehicles are allowed on campus.
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What to Bring
Please refer to the Gear List page.
Safety
Please see the Student Safety page for details on:
- Dorms
- Supervision
- Emergencies
- and more
Additional Info for Parents
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Parents will be invited to the closing award ceremony.
- Allergy and Health Information: We recognize that some students have allergies and special food requirements. Students’ allergy and health information should have been entered on their registration forms. All RYLAns carry that information discreetly in their name badges. The students are instructed to always wear their name badges. In addition, the RYLA information desk and Directors have access to full registration data.
- Nutrition: The University's cafeteria menu is very diverse, with many healthy options. Students may speak with the staff when they arrive at RYLA, or if they would like to speak with someone in advance you can call the University main number and ask for food services.
- Photos, Videos & Audio Notice All parents and students should note that photographs, video and audio recordings may be taken at any time during the RYLA weekend by other participants in RYLA, as well as by Rotarians assisting in the weekend activities. While RYLA cannot control how images and recordings taken by others will be used, RYLA will not use any of the images or recordings for commercial purposes, but may use them to promote RYLA, Rotary International, and/or the clubs sponsoring and participating in RYLA. Participation in RYLA and other Rotary events includes your consent for these entities to use, publish, and broadcast your name and likeness and material derived therefrom without compensation.
- If you have further questions: We strongly encourage questions from the RYLAns!
- PARENTS: we recommend that you allow your students to grow and prosper by suggesting that they practice their communications skills.
After RYLA
After RYLA, students are highly encouraged to write a Thank You note to their sponsoring Rotary Club and to the RYLA committee. See the Contact Us page for where to send thank-you's.
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RYLA Brochure