Instagram story viewer> @ryla5870> Tagged

Rise up with RYLA 5870

@ryla5870

415

followers

154

following

RYLA ‘26 June 28th - July 3rd
Cultivating servant leadership, selfless service, and endless fun in Rotary District 5870🦎
#1districtstrong

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Extremely late post, but I love this place and these people! It’s always a blessing to serve others in such a meaningful way. RYLA, you have my heart🦎🤍

139

22

Howdy RYLA Alumni! We are excited to share our newest way to get involved with the camp community and hope you’ll join us as a member of our new RYLA 5870 Rotaract Club!! Link to our membership form in the bio.

38

6

Thanks to all the clubs and Rotarians who joined us last weekend for RYLA Round up! If you want to learn more head to our website for the presentation or reach out for our CORE team to come speak at your club!

#1districtstrong #rylaintherough #ryla5870

63

0

“I never really noticed the clouds until this year.”

“You’ve given a lot to this camp over the last 10 years; I’m glad this is the year you finally looked up.”

Every year for the past 10 years, I get asked what I’m doing for summer break, and every year, I say the same thing—RYLA.

To most people, I say that RYLA is a leadership camp for high school juniors and seniors.

To those who are curious, I share my story—how I was a camper in 2016; how before camp, I didn’t talk to anyone unless they talked to me first; how RYLA changed my life.

I explain that while RYLA is both non-political and non-religious, that inexplicable, “cult-like” feeling is known as the “RYLA high.”

It’s a culture of psychological safety and unconditional love that gives everyone the freedom to be the best and most authentic version of themselves.

This year, I found that feeling in the same big moments that happen every year—

when a camper would share something vulnerable and be showered with support from people who were strangers just 48 hours ago;

when a camper would be given the opportunity to lead and finally be recognized by their peers;

when a staff member would “awaken the giant” and tap into the potential we’ve always seen in them. (Shoutout Zoë and Timber.)

This year, I found that feeling in the smaller moments as well—

in the smile of a camper who previously wanted to go home;

in the singing and dancing of a camper who was previously afraid to show any emotion at all;

in the clouds, the breeze, and the sound of the cardinals in the morning.

My advice for CORE: Slow down and take in these moments. Life is a train and it moves fast. Enjoy the ride. (Shoutout Vic for being the best partner I could have asked for.)

My advice for the staff: Believe in others. You never know your true impact. One small word of encouragement can change a person’s life forever. (Shoutout Maria and Parth for believing in me and everyone on staff for your impact on me.)

My advice for the staff: Believe in others. You never know your true impact. One small word of encouragement can change a person’s life forever. (Shoutout Maria and Parth for believing in me and everyone on staff for your impac

3

39

we take the second E in EIEIO very seriously

feeling incredibly grateful for this past week. grateful for safety, these people, and the opportunity to serve as head boys counselor, a position i’ve looked up to for 9 years

coming in, i was worried that after being here so long, i would eventually lose my ability to make an impact, but y’all have reassured me that i’m still making a difference and have a lot to give

this was also my first year not having campers of my own, so one of my goals was to still try and connect with them, and i’m glad i did. only forgot one name in leland’s test. i hope to continue that tradition and encourage core and staff to do the same

shoutout to vic for being the best partner, to jerry for the dedication through the covid years, and to maria for everything you’ve done for RYLA and for me

3

29

RYLA ‘25!🥳🥳
Oh. My. Days. This was been one of the best experiences of my life by far. I loved every single moment spent with my cabin and the other amazing, talented leaders at camp! Every single person at ryla made such an impact on me, and I’m grateful for getting to grow as individuals together.❤️❤️

To Cabin 5- It’s been such a joy to spend this past week with all of you! We instantly clicked from that first day, and the energy we brought was unbelievable (always eating first😛). Throughout all the mints and laughs and chanting Papa Serge in the dining hall together, we’ve all turned into a big happy family. Thank you for all the memories; I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again, I wanna be like y’all when I grow up!🫶 will forever bleed purple💜

To the Cabin 5 counselors and CACs- Maya, Kate, Parker, and Mint Man Kiran (Morgan and Sergio too!) Thanks for being one of the best support groups. You were always there to cheer cabin 5 on every step of the way, and you all were such great role models for me. So glad that we got to spend time with all of you; I couldn’t have asked for better counselors!🤩🤩

Again, thanks to everyone who made ryla fantastic! Between making boats out of cardboard, Olympics, freestyle rapping, late night talks, and winning the talent show, I’ve made so many memories that I will cherish forever. Good stuff ryla🤟

92

40

There are not enough words in the world to describe how life changing RYLA is. This organization is full of beautiful, talented individuals who cherish love, joy, acceptance, and leadership. I feel beyond blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team, and to have met so many unique leaders throughout this week. I am blessed to know and love you all for your true selves. Long live Cabin Three - To infinity, and 3yond🤍💚

130

46

Last night, Meredith and I had the honor of leading a workshop for the incredible students of RYLA – the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy.

Our focus? Self-leadership — the foundation of creating the future you want.

We explored how vision fuels action, how clarity builds confidence, and how knowing yourself is the key to leading yourself (and others) well.

These high school students showed up with open minds, brave hearts, and bold dreams. We challenged them to reflect on:

✨ Who do I want to be?
🎯 What goals align with my values?
💡 How can I start now, even if I don’t feel “ready”?

We believe leadership doesn’t start when someone gives you a title — it starts when you choose to take ownership of your life, your choices, and your impact.

Watching this next generation of leaders lean into their potential was a powerful reminder: the future is in good hands.

#LeadershipDevelopment #RYLA #SelfLeadership #VisionAndGoals #NextGenLeaders #MindsetMatters #ClarityEqualsConfidence

27

4

skipped a year but so beyond happy i came back to ryla! so much love for all these people and this camp 🫶🫶

373

95

Great way to start a new Rotary year! A few of our members grilled and served some delicious burgers to the campers and staff at @rotary5870.centraltx Rise Up With RYLA!!

#RiseUpWithRYLA #RYLATranforms #PfRotary #1DistrictStrong

21

0

“Life is revealed as a place to contribute and we are the contributors”-The Art of Possibility

Honored, grateful and blessed for the opportunity to speak to this young group of leaders about the power of having a vision for your life and a set of goals to get you there.

Giving people the gift of these self leadership tools that transformed my life is the most rewarding experience.

Thank you @ryla5870 for having me and for creating such an incredible camp for these kids to explore their leadership! I can’t wait to see what they contribute to the future!

#selfleadership #goals #vision #ryla #ryla5870 #leadership #contribution #bethegift

33

4

OPEN TO CURRENT SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS!! you still have time to apply for camp ryla! not only is this an amazing, FREE summer camp opportunity - but it’s great for YOU, highlights experience for your resume, & opens doors to awards & future scholarships! applications are due FRIDAY. refer to google classroom/remind for applications.

talk to Amy or Arianne if you have any questions.

23

0