By Nicole Suss
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Director
On a blissfully warm June afternoon in Divide, Colorado, 60 high school students carted their assorted sleeping bags, suitcases, and — in one case — a guitar into the Golden Bell Conference Center lodge. Some kids stayed close to their guardians, astutely observing the colorful signs directing them to the sign-in table, while others were already roaming, making new connections with the people they would laugh, cry, and work with over the next four days. Behind them in the parking lot, the welcome signs rustled gently in the breeze, all bearing the same message: "WELCOME TO THE ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS!" Followed by the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 Theme: Light the Way.
Following check-in, attendees met their Junior Counselors (RYLA alumni who returned to lead a group of their peers) and their newly-acquainted team, then dove right into the fun stuff: creating a totem pole to represent their team and drafting a collaborative "social contract" — rules each member of the group agreed to abide by during their time at RYLA. Walking by the strung-up poster-sized paper, one could observe words such as "integrity," "inclusivity," and, in close spirit with Rotary International's aims, "service."
Then the weekend kicked into overdrive. Waking up on Saturday, students tested their courage on the 900-foot zipline, preceded by a request from their Junior Counselors: "This weekend and in terms of your leadership abilities, what do you wish to jump towards? What do you wish to jump away from?" Smiles all around. Next up? Orienteering. Attendees received a map and compass, were instructed on their use, and were given plotted points to discover with their team in the expansive and beautiful Pike National Forest. Students relished both mastering a new skill and learning to problem-solve with their new friends.
The weekend seemed to float by quickly, as all good times do. Eight youth-led teams endured outdoor experiential learning activities, including the fan favorite, "Acid River." Teams are given several 2x4s, an imaginary river peppered with "boulders," and asked to get their team across without falling in (it sounds easier than it is!). Of course, the busy weekend also included moments of calm, such as listening to a keynote speaker, building skits for our final night, taking notes on communication and ethical leadership teachings, and engaging in a mentorship activity starring our fabulous Rotarian adult volunteers. But come Monday morning, we all felt it: the incessant tug of sleep combined with the immense satisfaction of a weekend well spent.
The final curtain call: teary goodbyes, hugs and promises to stay connected, and one wall, covered top to bottom with sticky notes of gratitude. Some were addressed to specific volunteers or other participants, others had a comedic twist ("Thank you for having unlimited food!"). Final photos were taken, and the final message was delivered: Wherever you go, whatever you do, believe you have the power to change the world.
Want to learn more about RYLA 2027? Check out our website at rylaintherockies.org. It's never too early to start recruiting students!
