APPLICATIONS CLOSED
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RYTS - Leadership & Development Program for Year 11-12 Students
RYTS is a youth personal development and leadership program guiding young people in the transition from school to life's next phase by creating connections and enhancing their life skills, confidence, and leadership capability.
Through this program, you will be taken on a journey of learning about decision making, peer communications, working in teams, problem-solving, building self confidence, leadership and team management and so much more. You will meet business leaders, community leaders and individual people who do this on a day-to-day basis. By passing on their knowledge they will assist you with enhancing your life skills and becoming a leader as well.
Just like the other young people you’ll meet doing this RYTS program, you'll see that it doesn't matter what your background is, you'll be able to take what you learn during this program to build the life of your dreams and aspirations, no matter what. The lifelong friendships and connections you develop will help you now and later in life.
Read below for details on how YOU can secure your spot at the next program! You can also email us or follow our Facebook page.
If you are not quite ready for RYTS, then you might want to consider RYPEN, which is for students in Years 8-10. The program for RYPEN is complimentary to RYTS though each program can be done separately. For those a bit older, RYLA is for young people aged 21-29 and is a great add on to what you may learn at RYTS though, again, the programs can be done separately if needed.
NEXT PROGRAM
4 - 9 January 2026
Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211
Cost $800 per student (sponsorship available)
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APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for the 2026 RYTS program have now CLOSED. You may email us at ryts@rotary9640.org with any questions. Details on future programs will be updated here once available.
The following steps are an indication of the standard application process to apply once the next camp is open.
Step 1 - Financial Sponsorship
The cost of the program is $800, however Rotary & Rotaract clubs are generally willing to sponsor applicants to attend RYTS at minimal, or no, cost to you. 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 -
- 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)
- 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.
- Finally, organisation or 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
As soon as 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 have a subject line of Request #XX for your review. Please check junk / spam folders if this is not received
Finally, the RYTS team will then contact your sponsor to confirm their approval and arrange payment of the application fee.
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TESTIMONIALS
We think RYTS is awesome, but don't just take our word for it! Read below for some inspiring words from past participants and leaders.
JESS
2024 (Jan)
I am forever grateful for the experience RYTS gave me, not only did it give me confidence I didn't know I had, but I learned more about myself than I've ever really known. It was fun, inclusive, competitive and one of the best weeks of my life! I hope others can get as much out of it as I did. Life is a pretty awesome thing and this is something you won't forget 🙂
LEELA
2024 (Jan)
I left the RYTS camp having learnt so many valuable life lessons, but what stood out to me the most is that there is always magic and joy to be found in life, even in the worst of times.
ZEKE
2024 (Jan)
This camp was life-changing. I discovered so much about myself, met incredible people, and formed deep connections. It was incredibly fun and I'm so grateful for this experience. I can't recommend it enough.
JACK
2023 (Jan)
RYTS equipped me with essential leadership and teamwork skills while teaching me things about myself I didn’t know and I still use what I learnt to this day. The Red Shirts, my new friends and activity’s boosted my confidence and prepared me for life outside of school and how important friendships and leadership is in any situation. This program changed my life for the better and it was the best week of my life!
ALEISHA
2013 (plus leader at later camps)
When I was in school, I was sent to RYTS as a part of my leadership training. I always said yes to any camp opportunities through school. So there wasn't a decision to be made.
I loved that kids from all walks of life are thrown in together and they become life long friends.
RYTS made a difference for me without a doubt - just ask my parents! They said after my brother and I came back from RYTS, that we were changed people. They weren't sure what exactly happened on the camp, but they loved what it did for us!
GARETH
RYTS Chair 2019-2023
The transformation seen in RYTS participants over the course of the program is incredible. Whilst everyone comes in to the program from very different backgrounds and with diverse personalities, they all leave with a common bond and knowing they have a group of people that they can call on if needed. I have seen many go on to become leaders at either RYTS, or other youth programs, and the willingness and enthusiasm to give back is inspiring!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
Why should I go?
A common comment at the end of every RYTS is "that was the best week of my life!". The skills and lessons learnt, the people met, the atmosphere and the fun all contribute to make this a great stepping stone to living the best version of your life.
What is Rotary and who runs the camp?
RYTS is run by Rotary, is one of the worlds largest service organisations. Our mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. We are a non-religious, non-political, organisation. You can find our more about Rotary here.
Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary members from our District, along with alumni from past RYTS camps and other youth programs, volunteer their time to run RYTS each year. RYTS 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.
Who can go?
RYTS is designed for Year 11-12 students (including those who are about to start Year 11 or have just graduated Year 12) or 17-18 years olds not in the school system. Rotary 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 Clubs are invoiced the cost of the camp. As noted above in the application process details, any co-contribution payable (if applicable) should be negotiated with that club upfront.
Please note that refunds are not available within 2 weeks of the camp start date, unless exceptional circumstances apply. As a result, if you do not attend without at least 2 weeks prior notice, then the sponsoring club may require you to offset the cost incurred.
What should I bring with me to camp?
All confirmed attendees will be emailed a packing list prior to camp.
What are the start & finish times?
All confirmed attendees will be emailed drop off and pickup information prior to camp. Generally we start around mid-morning (QLD time) on the first day and finish late-morning (QLD time) on the final day.
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. Rotary also operates under strict Youth Protection Guidelines.
Any further questions?
Feel free to email us at ryts@rotary9640.org or call the District Program Chair, Mindi Devine, on 0447 614 975.