Date is March 1 (online) and March 6 – 8 (in person), 2026.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a Rotary International leadership training program for youth or adults. In Corpus Christi, RYLA is a multi-level, annual leadership camp for youth held and organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi for the Rotary Clubs in the South Texas District 5930. The success of on-line eRYLA is combined with the fun and success of the in-person camp.
RYLA+ this year will be a hybrid* camp. *Must attend both in person and all online sessions. March 1 is on-line in the afternoon at your home. March 6 – 8 is in-person at Camp Zephyr near Corpus Christi.
Cost is $425 per camper (paid by your local Rotary Clubs). Campers are required to have reliable internet access and an iPad, tablet, or computer with video camera and microphone capability. NOTE: Smartphones will not work for this platform.
RYLA in Corpus Christi focuses on experiential learning to develop leadership potential within our youth for the benefit of our communities. During RYLA, campers participate in more than 25 hours of hands-on leadership training. The program is a team-based model emphasizing decision making and problem solving. Through different activities campers experience and develop a wide range of leadership skills which are learned by putting them in practice. There are five levels of leadership training in RYLA.
First year attendees are called “Campers” and are open to high school Sophomores and Juniors who show leadership potential. The different Rotary Clubs from throughout South Texas (over 50 Clubs) award full scholarships to selected students sponsored from their area high schools. Each Club will pay $425 per camper to attend the 4-day all-expense paid leadership training as part of their commitment to the development of youth in their communities. One of the benefits of RYLA+ is that Campers will also be able to receive online leadership training throughout the year.
Apply now. (Deadline to apply is January 31, 2026).
Contact your local Rotary Club now to see if they are participating in RYLA+ and sponsoring Campers. Or check with your high school counselors to see if they are working with RYLA+ and the local Rotary Club. Or contact the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi at:
Rotary Club of Corpus Christi 361-882-8672; or email admin@rotarycc.com.
TESTIMONIALS
My daughter Taylor attended your conference. Her first comment to me as she got off the bus was, “That was the greatest experience of my life.” Needless to say, I was taken aback for a moment. She mentioned to me that she had never had opportunity to reflect on the past/present while systematically and purposefully planning for the future. She absolutely loved this retreat. I just wanted to send a quick note to say “Thank you” to your staff, and your organization for creating such a meaningful, insightful, and focused youth leadership experience.” — Mr. John Gray, Principal Joe Nelson Middle School.
I am so grateful to have had this opportunity in my life. After four extraordinary years at this life-changing camp, next year I will not be able to attend as I will be studying abroad with Semester At Sea – a semester-long trip that will take me to 11 countries over four months. I personally don’t believe I would have received this leadership-based scholarship without my participation in RYLA. I am just so grateful that I have received these opportunities in life and so thankful for everything you have done to help me through this journey. – 2015 Senior Counselor
