Volunteer FAQs

Junior Staff:

• You must have attended RYLA as a participant in the last 3 years.
• Must be at 21 years of age or younger.
• Must agree to complete a criminal background check upon acceptance as a Junior Counselor if you are 18 years of age or older at the time of the first day of RYLA (MONDAY July 15, 2024).
• Must attend all dates of Great Plains RYLA (Beginning in the  afternoon of SUNDAY July 14, 2024. Ends in mid-afternoon on FRIDAY July 19, 2024; no late arrivals or leaving early).
• The two major needs for Junior Staff are to
     1.) Enable young adults to continue their leadership development.
     2.) Ensure the fulfillment of the goals for the RYLA participants.
• Attend mandatory Staff Training sessions (dates TBA, located at a central location) for all staff.

Senior Staff:

• You must be a Rotarian or Rotaractor in good standing with your club in District 5630 or District 5610
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older
• Must agree to complete a criminal background check upon acceptance as a Senior Counselor.
• Must attend all dates of Great Plains RYLA (Beginning in the afternoon of SUNDAY July 14, 2024. Ends in mid-afternoon on FRIDAY July 19, 2024; no late arrivals or leaving early).
• The two major needs for Senior Counselors are to:
     1.) Enable young adults to continue their leadership development.
     2.) Ensure the fulfillment of the goals for the RYLA participants.
• Have demonstrated excellent leadership skills and the ability to motivate youth.
• Support and stay in communication with the junior counselor you are paired with to develop your team dynamic as well as the individual RYLArian’s skills.
• Attend all activities with your team.
• Oversee the safety of the junior counselor and the team.
• Help make connections between RYLA and Rotary.
• Serve as a mentor to the junior staff and the RYLArian’s.
• Enforce team rules and implement necessary consequences. Any issues that extend beyond group dynamics need to be reported to the RYLA chair.
• Assist the junior counselor in facilitating all activities and group discussions as necessary.
• Accomplish any tasks that require leaving the group temporarily; the junior counselor should never leave the team.
• Maintain communication with the RYLA chair and Leadership Team.
• Attend mandatory Staff Training session (dates TBA, located at a central location) for all staff.

There is no cost to volunteer other than transportation to and from camp and any meals on the way up and the way back. Also the cost to drive to and from training. Any other costs associated with serving as a volunteer are included as a part of the student fees to attend.

Those wanting to serve as a Senior Staff need to have no prior experience. Those with no experience will be matched up with a Junior Staff with previous experience.

Those wanting to serve as Junior Staff must have attended RYLA within the last 3 years.

If you have questions, you may direct them to Kiersten Lange at Chair@GPRYLA.org