Ludlow Rotary seeks young leaders of tomorrow

Ludlow Rotary Club wants to hear from young people aged 16 or 17 who would like to be considered for this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Award scheme – RYLA for short.

Each year the club aims to sponsor one or two youngsters who might benefit from what is regarded as one of the most successful youth schemes run by Rotary. It offers a fun yet intensive training programme for young people, both boys and girls, aimed at nurturing and encouraging leadership and communication skills and giving participants a head start at an early age.

Over the course of the five-day residential camp, which this year is to be held in August at Albrighton on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border, activities are arranged which encourage initiative and organisational skills and which help participants to develop confidence and creative problem-solving methods. The youngsters work in teams and are supervised at all times by trained and qualified instructors. In line with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, outdoor pursuits are a crucial part of the experience. Debates and discussion are also encouraged.

In sponsoring the youngsters, Ludlow Rotary Club meets all fees and transports the candidates to and from the venue.

Sue Rew, who co-ordinates the club’s involvement in the programme, explained that the club’s interest in the youngsters does not end there: “Each year, after their return, the participants, together with their parents, are invited to a Rotary meeting to tell us about their experiences. Invariably it is enthusiastic. Over the years we have never failed to be impressed by how much the youngsters themselves recognise the positive impact and value that the programme has on their outlook as they begin to consider their future educational and career choices”.

Last year the club sponsored three Henry, Arlo and Evan. whose advice to anyone think of applying is simple - "Just do it. You may be taken out of your comfort zone but, most importantly, it's great fun".

Sue added: “We would be delighted to hear direct from potential applicants and their parents and are happy to provide further information and an application form. The only stipulation is that applicants must be over 16 and under 18 when the programme takes place from 3 to 8 August 2025. I can be contacted at youthservices@ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk.”