What is RYLA?
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a global youth leadership program that encourages “Service Above Self” and teaches “leadership through service” — focusing on improving Teamwork, Leadership, and Connections (TLC).
RYLA is also one of largest and most fun, interactive, and successful student leadership training programs in the world!
What is RYLA Camp?
RYLA Camp is a 3-5 day interactive and experiential program that introduces students (Jr. High and High School) to Rotary International and teaches:
FUN LeaderShops
Outdoor TEAM Building
SOCIAL Activities/Bonding.
What is a Mini-RYLA?
Mini-RYLA is a 1/2 or full day event, similar to that of the RYLA Camp, but we take the leadership program to the school(s), community, and Rotary Clubs — during a school day — and is perfect for Jr. High / High School school students.
FUN LeaderShops
Indoor TEAM Building
SOCIAL Activities/Bonding.
Who’s That RYLA Guy?
- AWANA Sparks Ministry (Teacher): 3 years teaching as well as sharing my faith to diverse K-2nd Graders, in our O’Fallon, IL, Victory Church.
- Board of Education (BOE Member): 10-year elected public official who helped govern Lebanon, IL, CUSD #9 — focusing on student needs.
- Board of Education (President): served 2 years leading a dynamic team of community volunteers — in and past the COVID pandemic.
- Boy Scouts of America (Cubmaster): served 3 years leading the pack with fun scouting activities and programs as well as teaching practical skills.
- Leadership Development (Director): spent 2+ years designing/teaching a college leadership program for campus leaders — on leadership skills, habits, mindsets, and more.
- Professor (Education/Psychology): 26+ years teaching diverse courses (Applied, College Success Strategies, Educational, Lifespan Development, and more) in the field of Psychology.
- Rotary Lebanon Club (President): 1-year term leading a dedicated team of community volunteers — and putting our motto "Service Above Self" into daily action.
- Rotary Youth Leadership (Chair): reigniting and redesigning RYLA leadership program in Southern Illinois (Jr. High and High School), focused on “The FUN-Damentals of Leadership” and teamwork.