Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp: Empowering Future Leaders in Tallulah Falls
Each year, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties proudly sponsors local students to attend the prestigious Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) camp in Tallulah Falls, Georgia. This annual leadership development camp is a transformative experience for young people, designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and cultivate leadership skills in a fun and challenging environment.
The following students were selected to attend RYLA camp during the summer of 2025: Lucero Ramirez (Greene County High School), India Armstrong (Greene County High School), Logan Clements (Greene County High School), Matthew Janes (Greene County High School), Ayla Phillips (Nathanael Greene Academy), Cason Bennett (Lake Oconee Academy), and Bodie Corry (Gatewood).
At RYLA camp, students are immersed in a series of outdoor adventures and team-building activities, including white-water rafting, a ropes course, and various other group challenges. These experiences are designed to push participants outside of their comfort zones, helping them to develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience. By the end of the camp, students emerge with a stronger sense of self, greater leadership potential, and lasting friendships.
The white-water rafting trip is always a highlight of the camp, offering students an adrenaline-pumping experience that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and trust. Meanwhile, the ropes course challenges participants to confront fears, build confidence, and work together to overcome obstacles. Together, these activities foster an environment where students can discover their strengths and abilities, all while having fun.
Kay McLendon, a representative from Greene County Schools, has witnessed firsthand the incredible impact RYLA has on students from the region. “The RYLA camp is truly a life-changing experience for our students,” McLendon says. “It gives them the opportunity to step out of their everyday lives, experience new challenges, and develop skills that they carry with them long after the camp ends. The confidence and leadership qualities they gain are invaluable, and it’s wonderful to see them return with a new sense of purpose and motivation.”
Each year, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties selects students from the local area to attend RYLA, ensuring that these young individuals are equipped with the tools and inspiration to become leaders in their communities. The opportunity to participate in such a high-caliber program is a privilege that many students cherish as a highlight of their high school careers.
Bill Bonnington, the Rotary Club’s RYLA coordinator, underscores the importance of this initiative for local youth. “RYLA is more than just a camp,” Bonnington explains. “It’s a comprehensive leadership development experience that challenges students in ways that traditional classrooms cannot. The lessons they learn about leadership, collaboration, and resilience will stay with them for a lifetime. Our Club is proud to be able to offer this opportunity to young people in Greene and Putnam Counties, and we look forward to seeing how these future leaders will continue to make an impact in their communities.”
The RYLA camp not only impacts the lives of the students who attend but also strengthens the fabric of our communities by equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills they need to succeed. The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is honored to support this program and looks forward to sponsoring local students each year, helping them unlock their potential and make a lasting difference in the world.
By investing in these young leaders today, we are creating a brighter, more compassionate future for tomorrow.
