To all District 5495 clubs:
I hope this message finds you well! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zuri Torres and I am the new Chairperson of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp for the 2027-29 term.
It is with enthusiasm and honor that I step into this position to serve a leadership camp that not only has made an impact on thousands of youth within our Arizona communities, but changed my life as a teenager as well. I am a product of this incredible camp - having been a Delegate, Junior Counselor, Luke Lewis Award recipient, Adult Mentor, Committee Member and now Chair. Overall, I have around 15 years of RYLA magic in my wheelhouse.
With dynamic leadership workshops, team building exercises, cross cultural connections and more, RYLA continues to be a place where young leaders are empowered to take the principles of Rotary and create lasting change in not only our state, but the world.
I am asking for clubs, like your own, to invest in RYLA by providing scholarships for those in our district. With the support of the clubs in our district, we hope to host over 140 high school students on January 15-18, 2027 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott. These delegates are the future of Rotary; I am proof of it.
Now, the details.
The cost of a delegate scholarship is $450; this covers a delegate's dorm assignment, meals for the whole weekend, a RYLA hoodie and participation in camp activities. The cost is based on the number of estimated delegates and includes our district’s Rotary Youth Exchange students who will be registered as delegates.
How to submit scholarship funds:
- To pay electronically, please use Zelle and use collectryla@rotary5495.org as the contact.
- Please make any checks payable to Rotary District 5495 RYLA and mail them to:
Rotary District 5495
Attn: RYLA
4747 E. Elliot Rd. #29-467
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Please let me or our current RYLA Treasurer, AJ Sheridan (a.jim.sheridan.4@gmail.com), know how many scholarships (or total funds) your club is intending on providing no later than Aug. 15. This will allow our committee to plan based on expected contributions.
If your club or any individual members are interested in supporting RYLA beyond scholarships, we have an Amazon registry list available. This list includes items that need to be replaced in our inventory due to wear and tear or would help our committee enhance the RYLA experience!
All clubs and donors will be recognized during RYLA in January and on our social media platforms and newsletter.
Please do not hesitate to contact me or AJ with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you to help make this another amazing RYLA for all!
Yours in Service,
Zuri Torres
RYLA 5495 Chairperson, 2027-29