The RYLA effect
A weekend in the Wisconsin woods sparks new perspectives on leadership for dozens of high school students in District 6250.
27 Oct 2026
Photo gallery
Photography by Monika Lozinska
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Clothespins became a canvas for self-expression.
The three-day Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, held in May at Camp Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells, included service activities such as a roadside cleanup.
A participant displays a worksheet about The Four-Way Test in the program booklet.
Photo gallery
Photography by Monika Lozinska
Image 1 of 5
The program bonded young people from across District 6250, which covers parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
As counselors spin a rope, team members coordinate with one another to jump in unison.
Participants jot down reflections during an activity that teaches about different leadership styles.
This story originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of Rotary magazine.