District 6250's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp returned to Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells this May for another transformative weekend.
Designed for high school sophomores sponsored by their local Rotary clubs, RYLA brings together young people from across the district for three days of leadership development, team challenges, and community-building — intentionally unplugged and fully present. This year's camp drew students from schools across the region, mixing them into cross-school "family" groups to encourage new connections and push everyone just outside their comfort zones. Keep reading to hear directly from those impacted by this powerful weekend!
The impact was immediate and lasting. Students returned home with more than just memories — they came back with confidence, new friendships, and a fresh perspective on what leadership really means. One parent shared that her daughter "was in tears" at pickup — not out of sadness, but because she didn't want it to end. Students echoed that sentiment in their own words. "I learned that leadership is not just about being in charge, but also about helping people feel included," reflected Savannah, a sophomore from Oregon High School. Massogbe, from LaFollette High School, was so energized by the experience that she came home and inspired four of her peers to consider attending.
Want to see some of the magic for yourself? Watch our RYLA 2026 video here.
If you have a sophomore in your community who could benefit from this kind of experience, RYLA 2027 registration opens in January and dates will be available very soon. It's one of the best $250 investments a Rotary club can make.
RYLA’s 2026 Participants Rate the Experience
“RYLA helped me step out of my comfort zone, make real friendships, and gain confidence. I would tell anyone unsure to try it you might arrive nervous, but you’ll leave with memories and friends you never expected.”
- Massogbe, Sophomore, LaFollette High School, Madison
"What surprised me most about my weekend experience at RYLA was how quickly everyone connected, even though most of us had never met before. I didn't expect people from different schools and backgrounds to become comfortable with each other so fast. The activities made it easy to warm up to each other, talk, work together, and form friendships. I learned that leadership is not just about being in charge, but also about helping people feel included and encouraging ideas from everyone. It also helped me feel more confident sharing my own thoughts and ideas.
- Savannah, Sophomore, Oregon High School
“RYLA changed the way I think about leadership because I learned that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to lead. There are many different qualities that are put into being a leader, like helping and encouraging others.”
- Addison, Sophomore, Oregon High School
“RYLA was an amazing experience because we really had to get out of our comfort zones, and meet new people. We got to be exposed to new ways of leadership and were able to show ourselves that we can make meaningful connections in a short time.”
-Blake Haag, Bangor High School