RYLA is an intensive leadership training program where young people develop essential skills in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Each conference is tailored to participants' ages and interests while addressing real community issues.
Our RYLA Conference takes place at the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. High school sophomores and juniors may apply for limited spots in this transformative summer experience. The sponsoring Rotary club covers all fees, making this invaluable opportunity completely free to students.
Many participants arrive uncertain but leave with newfound self-confidence and enthusiasm for making a difference in their communities.
Our Young RYLA program continues to grow and now features 2 camp sessions with a total of 288 participants. This annual leadership program is specially designed for 7th graders and takes place at the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.
Any current 7th grader may apply to attend either session:
Young RYLA-1 2025 is Sunday, June 22 – Friday, June 27 2025
Young RYLA-2 2025 is Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 11 2025
The Four-Way Test serves as a moral compass for Rotarians worldwide, providing essential guidance for ethical decision-making in both personal and professional relationships. This timeless framework helps us navigate complex situations with integrity and purpose.
Each year, our club visits Summit Middle School to share the Four-Way Test with 7th grade students, helping them apply these principles to the challenging ethical dilemmas they face in their daily lives. After providing Four Way Test basics and discussing various scenarios in small groups, the students pick a scenario and act out their decision-making process in front of their classmates.
In Summit County, we add a 5th Question: Will it Be FUN?
Each year, the Summit County Rotary Club sponsors one or two international exchange students through our comprehensive youth exchange program. We have welcomed high school students from Spain, Brazil, Austria, Japan, Turkey, Switzerland, Romania, and many other countries around the world.
These remarkable young ambassadors attend high school in Summit County while living with three carefully selected host families throughout a full school year. This rotation allows students to experience different family dynamics and gives multiple families the opportunity to participate in this life-changing program.
Hosting an Exchange Student
Hosting a Youth Exchange student offers a uniquely rewarding and exciting opportunity for families. Host families discover new customs, traditions, and cultures while simultaneously gaining fresh perspectives on their own heritage and way of life. The experience creates lasting bonds and broadens worldviews for everyone involved.
An informational Host Family Handbook and host family applications are available on the Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Exchange (RMRYE) website at rmrye.org.
Every January, Summit Rotary Club partners with Copper Mountain to sponsor a ski weekend for international exchange students visiting District 5450. This 15-year tradition creates lasting friendships while students stay with welcoming host families who enjoy the experience as much as their guests.
Beyond exceptional skiing during the mountain's quieter season, the weekend provides a unique opportunity for students from around the world to connect and share their stories of living in a new country. Year after year, this combines Colorado's world-class slopes with genuine international friendship and cultural exchange.
Outbound Exchange Student Opportunities
Summit County high school students interested in spending a transformative year abroad can apply through our Youth Exchange program. Summit Rotary Club conducts application interviews each September for the following school year.
Past Summit Rotary outbound students have embarked on incredible journeys to the Czech Republic, Denmark, Argentina, New Zealand, Taiwan, and other fascinating destinations worldwide.
More information and applications for outbound students can be found at rmrye.org/outbound-students/.