Facilitators are volunteer camp counselors who work in pairs to guide a team of about ten high school students through their RYLA camp experience.

Discover the RYLA Facilitator Experience and Facilitator Eligibility and Responsibilities.

The RYLA Facilitator Experience

• Explore the RYLA YouTube channel to learn what others have to say about RYLA.

• Join us for an upcoming online information session for prospective new facilitators. (date/time tbc).

• Download A Day in the Life at RYLA – facilitator perspective.

• Read about RYLA’s approach to youth leadership development.

Serving as a facilitator is a deeply rewarding experience to foster our youth’s leadership and personal development. It’s also a chance to further develop your own leadership skills, grow personally, and build lifelong connections.

Facilitators are a mix of college students, working professionals, and retirees. Qualities of a great facilitator include:

• Kindness and compassion.

• Flexibility, patience, resourcefulness, and empathy.

• An open mind and a positive attitude.

• Good time management and organization.

• The ability to set appropriate boundaries with youth.

• Willingness to learn, participate, and grow alongside campers!

RYLA is a community of family and friends. You’ll be part of a team of 65 staff at camp, including fellow facilitators, alumni, administrative staff, nurses, and a wellness coach.

RYLA is a fun-filled and joyous experience. Camp does not require a lot of physical activity, but it can be exhausting. The program runs from 8am to 10pm/11pm each day, with meals and breaks. Camp can also be emotionally challenging for both campers and staff.

Facilitator Eligibility and Responsibilities

Eligibility

• Able to serve at camp from midday Friday, July 31st to the late afternoon of Wednesday, August 5, 2026. It is not possible to serve as a facilitator for only a part of camp.

• Have at least one year of college/life experience after high school.

• Current or previous affiliation with Rotary clubs and programs is welcome, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in online training and team development sessions in June and July. Live attendance is strongly encouraged, but facilitators can also access on-demand recordings.

• Undergo Rotary Youth Protection Certification.

• Guide your team of ten students through their RYLA camp experience with your co-facilitator.

• Observe your team as they undertake morning team-building activities led by RYLA alumni.

• Develop your team’s nightly team meetings. This includes reflections on the past day, reviewing for the next day’s schedule, and the final skit preparations.

• Attend the nightly campfires with your team.

• Potentially lead activities such as personal development workshops and recreational and social activities.