RYPEN | Leadership & Development

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN

NEXT CAMP

When | 13-15 Jun 2025
Where | Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge  QLD  4211
Who | Year 8-10 Students or Ages 14-16
Cost | $350 (TBC)

OVERVIEW

RYPEN is a residential camp that takes place over 2.5 days.  Designed for school students aged between 14-16 (Year 8-10) the program focuses on the development of self-concept, relationships, and will help you develop skills that will assist you in the transition to adulthood.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process for the June 2025 camp will open in the first half of the year and the information below outlines the general process that will apply.
 
However, you can EXPRESS INTEREST in attending the camp now.  Expressing interest will allow us to try and match with you a suitable Rotary Club sponsor and make sure you are the first to know when applications are open,
Step 1 - Financial Sponsorship
 
On the application form you have the option of selecting the Financial Sponsorship arrangement that applies to you.  Please make sure you have any information required before completing your application.  The options are -
 
  1. If you have agreed with your local Rotary or Rotaract Club (a list of clubs and contacts can be found here) to sponsor your application then please make sure you have their details, including a contact person at the club and their email and phone number (if you have it)
  2. If you do not have a sponsoring Rotary or Rotaract club and would like assistance, you can indicate that on your application and we will try to match you to a club.
  3. Finally, self funding is also an option - please make sure to have the details of the person (at least a name and email address) to whom any invoice should be sent.
Step 2 - Complete Application Form
 
Complete and submit the application form (collects contact and other details of you, your parents / guardians, sponsorship details, details of any medical conditions and dietary requirements, and an insurance declaration).  Please have Medicare and Private Health Insurance details handy before completing the form. 
 
Step 3 - Parent / Guardian Approval & Sponsor Approval
 
Once your application form is submitted, an email approval will be automatically generated for your parent / guardian. 
 
Your parent / guardian must click APPROVE on the bottom of the email sent to them.   The approval request will come from Form Approvals.  with a subject line of Request #XX for your review.  Please check  junk / spam folders if this is not received
 
Finally, the RYPEN team will then contact your sponsor to confirm their approval and arrange payment of the application fee.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

 
What can I expect?
Fun, friendship, challenges and a bit of the unknown.  Hopefully, you will walk away with new skills and perspectives that you can use to help you in the future.
 
Who can go?
RYPEN is designed for students in Year 8-10 or aged 14-16.   Rotary or Rotaract Clubs may be able to offer financial sponsorship, reducing any barriers on attendance.  If cost is an issue, please feel free to email us to discuss the options available.
 
How is payment made?
Sponsoring Rotary or Rotaract Clubs are invoiced the cost of the camp.  If you have chosen self funding then an invoice for payment will be sent to the nominated person for payment.  Some Rotary or Rotaract Clubs may ask you to contribute part of the cost and any co-contribution payable (if applicable) should be negotiated with that club upfront.
 
What should I bring with me to camp?
All confirmed attendees will be emailed a full packing list prior to camp.  Accommodation will be dormitory style although sleeping bag or bedding, and a pillow will be required.
 
Who runs RYPEN?
Rotary members from our District, along with alumni from past youth programs, volunteer their time to run RYPEN each year.  RYPEN is not run for profit but is part of Rotary's commitment to developing future leaders and equipping youth to face the challenges that life provides.
 
What protection policies are in place?
All volunteers involved in running the camp must hold both a valid NSW Working with Children Check and QLD Blue Card. There are minimum of two trained First Aid officers on every camp.  In addition most volunteers will have undertaken Mental Health awareness training.  Rotary also operates under strict Youth Protection Guidelines. 
 
Any further questions?
Feel free to email us at rypen@rotary9640.org.or call the District Program Chair, Tamara Urmston on 0499 029 384.