EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN
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RYPEN - Leadership & Development Program for Year 8-10 Students
RYPEN is a residential camp that takes place over 2.5 days. Designed for school students in Year 8-10 (generally aged between 14-16), the program focuses on the development of self-concept, relationships, and will help you develop skills that will assist in the transition to adulthood.
If you are a bit older, then you might want to consider RYTS, which is for students in Years 11-12. The program for RYTS is complimentary to RYPEN though each program can be done separately.
At RYPEN, you will participate in activities that will challenge you on many different levels in areas such as personal growth, teamwork & self awareness. You will also develop lifelong friendships and connections that will help you later in life.
Read below for details on how YOU can secure your spot at the next camp! You can also email us.
NEXT CAMP
13-15 June 2025
Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211
$350 (TBC) per attendee (sponsorship available)
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APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for the June 2025 camp are not yet open However, you can express interest in attending the camp by clicking the link above. Expressing interest will allow us to try and match with you a suitable Rotary or Rotaract Club sponsor and make sure you are the first to know when applications are open.
In the meantime, the information below outlines the application process that applies.
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 -
- 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, 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.
APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY CLOSED.
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.
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TESTIMONIALS
We think RYPEN is awesome, but don't just take our word for it! Read below for some inspiring words from past participants and leaders.
LILY
I was debating whether or not to attend RYPEN, but I’m so glad I did! I had the best couple of days, meeting a whole bunch of awesome people that I still talk to a year later. But most importantly I learnt how to write a resume, ways to work with many different types of people and heard from some really inspiring speakers. Since this camp I have become the Secretary of an Interact Club as well as being way more confident with public speaking. My RYPEN experience was once in a lifetime, I would recommend this amazing camp to anyone.
LEXIE
I was lucky enough to attend RYPEN camp in 2023, since then I have been more confident at school during class discussions and have been more involved in out of school activities. I have also felt more self-assured at my part time job, working with people who are older than me and dealing with customers. RYPEN was an amazing experience one which I would love to do again.
IZABELLA
I attended RYPEN in 2023 all thanks to Fassifern Rotary. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend the leadership camp as I learnt many new ways to improve my skills including communication, leadership, encouragement of others and how to push myself beyond limits. Since attending RYPEN camp, I have achieved many new things including receiving a scholarship through the university of Queensland consisting of funding and mentoring camps ….. In this short time I have also begun organising a fundraiser where I will run 7kms a day to raise money to purchase a defibrillator for the local school of arts/emergency evacuation centre. All of these have been achieved through the help of the RYPEN camp as it showed me how to strive for greatness while encouraging others and learning new skills.
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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.
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.
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. 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, Jacqui Wark on 0431 845 209.
