The RYLA Experience
A life-changing six days for young people aged 18–25
📅 When: 4–9 April 2027
📍 Where: Kangaroobie, Princetown (Great Ocean Road)
👤 Who: Young people aged 18–25
💲 Cost to you: Nothing. Your place is paid for by a local Rotary Club.
RYLA 2027 applications are open now!
Applications close March 2027.
Prefer a printable form? The downloadable 2027 application form is coming soon.
Ready to step up?
Do you want to build your leadership potential, or gain skills to help you reach your goals? The RYLA Experience can help you do both.
A local Rotary Club will pay for you to attend. They’ll also help you get past anything that might stop you going, such as talking with your employer or TAFE/Uni teachers, or helping with costs from being away for six days.
How it works
- Apply. Approach a local Rotary Club yourself, or apply online and we’ll link you with one.
- Meet your Club. Your sponsoring club pays the $700 fee and helps sort out anything you need, such as transport to camp.
- Come to camp. Commit to the full six days and bring a can-do attitude.
What you’ll gain
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Positive leadership and motivation
- Communication skills
- Problem solving and conflict management
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Global citizenship
- Goal setting
- Public speaking and community contribution
- Resilience
Frequently asked questions
How do I join?
You can approach a local Rotary Club to sponsor you, or apply online and we’ll try to link you with a club.
What do I need to do?
Commit to the full six days and bring a can-do attitude.
What if I can’t leave work or study for six days?
We’ll advocate for you by talking with your employer or tertiary teachers, and we can help you financially so you can attend.
What does my sponsoring Rotary Club expect from me?
Your club pays $700 for you to attend. In return, they’ll ask you to come to one or two of their meetings and may invite you to help with fundraising. They want to build a real connection with you. For example, if you have no transport to camp, they’ll organise it.
What our Rylarians say
“If you hear about this experience, absolutely do it. I was uncertain, nervous and unsure what I was getting myself into. I can say after finishing RYLA, it has truly changed my life for the better and I can’t thank the team enough.”
“As a person who thought it was going to be a waste, I am now the biggest advocate for the RYLA experience. Completely life-changing.”
“Without a doubt, life-changing. I am so grateful to have been part of something so special. It has significantly impacted who I am and what I want. The close friends I have made and the family we have created have honestly changed me and helped me find my place in the world.”
About RYLA and Rotary
RYLA was adopted as an official Rotary International program in 1971 and has been a worldwide success ever since. It’s the most comprehensive youth leadership training Rotary delivers.
RYLA aims to:
- Show Rotary’s respect and concern for young people
- Provide effective training for young people who see themselves as potential leaders
- Encourage leadership of youth by youth
- Publicly recognise young people who serve their communities
For Rotary Clubs
Want to sponsor a young person from your community? The information pack explains how RYLA works, what it costs and how your club can find and support a participant.
Download the 2027 Information Pack for Rotary Clubs
