Because of the number of programs offered in our district, the Youth portfolio is broken up into three sections:
Youth Leadership and Support,
Youth Service Programs, and
Cultural Experiences, Science and Safety
Youth Leadership and Support
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
This past April, the most recent planned RYLA program was cancelled due to the restrictions pertaining to Covid. Applications are currently open for the September program. This program is for young people between the ages of 18 and 25. The cost per participant is $975 for the first applicant, and then $950 for each subsequent. It commences on 24 September, finishing on 30 September, at Nunyara. The Graduation Dinner is on 29 September, which is always a fabulous night, and I would encourage you to put the date aside to attend.
Contact: Helen Marshall (RC Blakiston) – 0428 711 032 – ryla@rotary9510.org
Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment
The Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment commences on 30 September, going till 2 October, again at Nunyara. Applications are also open here. The first participant costs $350, then $325 for any subsequent. The age bracket for this event is 14-17 years of age.
Applications will close at the end of August.
There is also the potential for the RYPEN to be held in Sunraysia in the April school holidays, with arrangements still to be confirmed.
Contact: Kevin O’Neil (RC Campbelltown) - - rypen@rotary9510.org

Youth Sailing Challenge
The Youth Sailing Challenge is being held from 2 October to 6 October. This is for those aged between 15-19 years of age.
It has been costed at approximately $950.
In addition is a special week-long experience planned for May next year, in conjunction with the International Convention. This would operate from 19 May, and from 4 June, and would travel to the Convention in Melbourne, and return. The expected club cost will be $1,100, with students paying a higher proportion of the cost, given the total cost is $1,900.
Contact: David Binks (RC Glenelg) - 0438 221 937 - dpbinks@senet.com.au
Rotary Youth WELLbeing
RYWELL recognises that some of our youth are quite disadvantaged due to family circumstances and seeks to provide them with opportunities for enjoyable recreational activities. The Committee has formed a liaison with the Department for Child Protection over recent years to organise holiday programs of activities for young people who live in Government Accommodation Units under the responsibility of the Minister.
RYWELL receives donations from clubs to continue with this work.
Contact: David Koetsier (RC Morialta) - 0433 693 990 - chesslife.dk@gmail.com
Rotary Adventure in Citizenship
Rotary Adventure in Citizenship (RAIC) is an intensive and fun-filled week-long program to help prepare young adults for full participation as citizens of Australia. It is held in Canberra during Budget week in May 2023.
Contact: Damian Leach - 0438 294 563 - youth@rotary9510.org
Youth Service programs
Interact
Interact clubs organise at least two projects yearly, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
Interact is available for high schools, and seven are currently operating in our district.
Contact: Mike Stevens (RC E-Club 9510) - 0417 875 095
Earlyact
Earlyact has similar outcomes as Interact referenced above; however, it is provided for Primary Schools.
Contact: Damian Leach - 0438 294 563 - youth@rotary9510.org
Cultural Experiences, Science and Safety
Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange is back after two years in abeyance. One of Rotary's most well-known programs, Youth Exchange, provides opportunities for those aged between 15 and 17 to experience a different culture for a year.
There is a small cost for a club to be involved in Youth Exchange. Generally, inbound exchanges occur from July to June; whilst outbound exchanges occur from January to December.
Contact: PDG David Jones (RC Mitcham) - 0427 026 887 - dg2020@rotary9510.org
Roadsafe Youth Driver Awareness
RYDA is a one-day, out-of-school program delivering practical road safety information focusing on changing young drivers' and passengers' attitudes and awareness.
Around 150 students per day participate. They are segmented into six groups of 25 and rotated around the six-topic lectures presented by professionals in the field, such as Driving Instructors, Police Officers; Nurses; RAA technical advisors; survivors of serious accidents.
Contact: Ric Dance (RC Morialta) - 0408 640 676
National Youth Science Forum
The program will run on weekdays between 10 – 24 January 2023 and will be delivered as a mixed-mode experience – a combination of in-person and digital events.
At the program, students will have opportunities to:
- participate in tours of science and technology facilities,
- learn about cutting-edge research,
- engage with industry partners and research providers,
- learn about university and STEM career pathways,
- mix with other like-minded students from all over Australia, and
- network with former NYSF participants to further increase understanding of STEM-related study and career experiences.
Applications close on 17 August. Applications have been relatively low due to the impact of Covid, so clubs are encouraged to liaise with local schools to encourage engagement.
Contact: Sean Geoghegan (RC Adelaide) - 0466 698 379
Santos Science Experience
The Santos Science Experience is a fun 1, 3 or 4 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students in the 2022 program year.
Each program is designed to provide students interested in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of engaging science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work.
Dates in District 9510:
University of South Australia: Applications Close: 20/10; Program Date: 22-24/11
Flinders University: Applications Close: 2/10; 6-8/12
University of Adelaide: Applications Close: 1/11; 13-15/12
Contact: PDG David Jones (RC Mitcham) - 0427 026 887 - dg2020@rotary9510.org