Opportunities for young people
Participate in youth programmes organised by Rotary in London
Youth competitions
Rotary’s Youth Competitions offer a platform for talents to shine.
From local heats through to national finals, these contests are a great way to be challenged in a fun and friendly environment.
With support all the way from your local Rotary club, there is no reason not to take the leap and enter.
Which competitions are offered?
- Rotary Young Chef
- Rotary Young Citizen Awards
- Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero Award
- Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award
- Rotary Young Citizen Environmentalist Award
- Rotary Young Artist
- Rotary Young Musician
- Rotary Young Filmmaker
- Rotary Young Photographer
- Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate
- Rotary Young Environmentalist
- Rotary Young Writer
- Rotary Technology Tournaments
Read more detailed information about the Youth competitions on the Rotary Great Britain & Ireland website.
How do I enter?
For the competitions a Rotary club will support you through your progression in the various stages. If you want to take part, please contact your local Rotary Club.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Every year thousands of young people explore new horizons with Rotary Youth Exchange programmes.
Do more than just see the world. Broaden your horizons by living and experiencing it with trips supported by Rotary.
Thousands of people, aged between 15 and 30, take part every year and come home with incredible stories of positive experiences which have given them greater self-confidence, an understanding of other cultures and a new language.
Types of Youth Exchange opportunities
International Camps
Across Europe and beyond, Rotary members run camps, some with tours, mainly during the summer holiday, catering for age groups from 15 to 30-year-olds.
Far from being a lonely traveller, you would be with other people your age from across the world so you would experience even more cultures.
An international gathering of students meet up attracted by the theme of the camp, which could be outdoor and sporty or cultural, historical, artistic, or musical.
Most camps last about two weeks, with students mostly living with host families or in hostels. Very few involve living under canvas.
The language of the great majority of the camps is English but from time to time there is one in French, Spanish or German.
Short Term Exchange Programme (STEP)
Try this taster experience during the school holidays.
15 to 17-year-olds will be paired up with an exchange partner and stay with each other for around three weeks, learning about one another’s country and way of life.
How do I apply?
All you need to do is register your interest online via the dedicated Rotary Youth Exchange website. A member from your local Rotary Club will meet with you and your family to have a chat about your choice of experience to make sure it is the right one for you.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA, is a leadership development programme run by Rotary for young adults.
Whether you are a secondary school pupil, university student or young professional, RYLA will help you discover your potential and develop the skills needed to be a leader in your community, career and everyday life.
Each RYLA course is sponsored by a local Rotary club or group.
What does RYLA offer?
RYLA programmes run between three to ten days and give participants the opportunity to:
- Gain exposure to leadership scenarios
- Explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team
- Discuss and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management
- Build confidence in yourself and what you can achieve
- Meet new people and make lasting friendships
- Learn how to arrange youth activities and community service projects at locally and internationally
How to get involved
Get in touch with your local Rotary Club to find out more.