Students & parents
Register for RYLA Camp
Jr. High and High School students spend a weekend at Camp Hope in Ewing, Illinois learning the FUN-Damentals of Leadership — and leave with a team of friends from across Southern Illinois.
Who can attend
Eligibility
- Jr. High and High School students, typically grades 7–12.
- Nominated or sponsored by a Rotary club, school, or community partner — or apply on your own and we will help find a sponsor.
- Willing to participate fully: teamwork, service, and a phones-away weekend.
About camp fees: RYLA camp costs are handled through the sponsoring Rotary club — there is no payment to make on this site. If your family needs help finding a sponsoring club, call 618.581.3596 or email Carl@CarlThomasBerry.com.
Four steps
How registration works
- 1
Read the camp guidelines
Students and parents should review the 2026 RYLA Camp Guidelines together — expectations, code of conduct, arrival and pickup, and what to pack.
- 2
Connect with a sponsoring Rotary club
Most students attend RYLA sponsored by their local Rotary club. Ask your school counselor or contact us and we will point you to the nearest club.
- 3
Submit the camp application
Complete the 2026 Fall RYLA Camp Application. It collects student details, school, grade, emergency contacts, and health information.
- 4
Watch for your confirmation
Once your application and club sponsorship are confirmed, we email your camp packet with the arrival schedule and packing list.
Weekend at a glance
Camp schedule
- Friday evening
- Arrival, check-in, opening LeaderShop, and team assignments.
- Saturday
- Full day of LeaderShops, outdoor TEAM building, service project, and evening social.
- Sunday morning
- Closing LeaderShop, recognition, and departure by midday.
Packing list
What to bring
- Sleeping bag or bedding and a pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes
- Toiletries and a towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Signed guidelines and health forms
- A great attitude — phones stay put away during sessions
Been to RYLA already?
Past RYLA Camp graduates can come back and lead as student counselors. Download the counselor application and send it in with your camp application.