ROTARY YOUTH TRANSITION SEMINAR (RYTS)

Leadership & Development Programs

APPLICATIONS OPEN

NEXT CAMP

When | Tuesday, 9 January 2024 to Sunday, 14 January 2024
Where | Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge  QLD  4211
Who | Year 11-12 Students or Ages 17-18
Cost | $725

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2024!

We are now accepting applications for our 2024 camp!  Places are limited so make sure to get your application in as early as possible to secure your spot.  So, what are you waiting for?  Follow the steps listed below to apply!

TESTIMONIALS

"I honestly feel like this week changed my life, the way you learn about yourself and the beautiful people around you, and the deep special connections you make are amazing beyond words.  On top of that it's literally so incredibly fun!  So incredibly grateful to have this experience as part of my life and the way I look at life now, I couldn't recommend it enough."  - Jess (RYTS 2019)

OVERVIEW

RYTS is a leadership & development program with a focus on assisting the transition from one area of study into the next phase of life.  The program is delivered at a 6 day residential camp for students who are in the senior years of school (Year 11-12) or who are aged between 17-18 if not within a school system.

Participants will hear from inspiring guest speakers and participate in activities that will challenge them on many different levels.  Our program covers personal growth, teamwork, self awareness and practical skills for life after school.  Participants will also develop lifelong friendships and connections that will help them later in life.  A key element of RYTS is that the full details of the program are not shared pre-camp.  This allows participants to head to camp with an open mind and increases the value of the activities that are undertaken.

Read below for more information on the program and how to secure your spot at the next camp.  You can also email us or follow our Facebook page.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants will need to be endorsed by a local Rotary or Rotaract Club who may also be able to provide financial sponsorship to attend. 
 
The application process for the 2024 camp is now OPEN.
STEP 1
Rotary or Rotaract Club Support
 
All participants are endorsed by a Rotary or Rotaract Club and these Clubs may also be able to provide support on the cost to attend.
 
You should start by contacting your local Rotary or Rotaract Club (a list of clubs and contacts can be found here) to endorse your application. They will need to provide you with a contact person at the club and their email and phone number to complete Step 2 (usually this is the club's Youth Director).  They may also refer you to another club if they are unable to assist. 
 
If you do not have a sponsoring club and would like assistance, under the club name please select the last option on the list (I need help finding sponsorship).  If you are having any issues please email us at ryts@rotary9640.org.
 
Secondly, you should agree any financial sponsorship arrangements with the club endorsing your application. You and the club may find it useful to complete a Financial Sponsorship Agreement.  This form does not need to be submitted with your application but is a record for you, your parents  / guardians and the club
STEP 2
Complete Application Form
 
Complete and submit the application form (collects contact and other details of you, your parents / guardians and the sponsoring Rotary or Rotaract Club as well as 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.  Once submitted, an email approval will be automatically generated for your parent / guardian to approve by clicking the link on the email sent to them.  Your sponsoring club will then be sent details for approval.
 
 
IMPORTANT: Your application will not be complete until your parents / guardian have clicked APPROVE on the bottom of the email sent to them from RYTS District 9640.  The subject line will be Request #XX for your review.

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.
 
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.  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 ryts@rotary9640.org.or call the District Program Chair, Mindi Devine, on 0447 614 975.