13 May 2008

12:21

hi Tim! nice site it may be a little cheeky to ask, but could you tell us the password for the members only site? Tim Replies:- Nice Try!! Thanks for the feedback on the site...I'm glad you enjoyed it.....but you will be able to access the 'members only site' when you have been on the course and can figure out the passwords. It's for you, after the course, to add your contact details to your friends you have made, comments, a discussion board, and really, anything you want it to be. But it may give too many 'secrets' away about what to expect.....better to keep you guessing! hehehehe. So,,,no help at all there I guess! Tim

09 May 2008

11:10

for the talent evening,is it unaviodable? i dont really know what my talent is. i doubt they would enjoy a lecture on spinal boards! Tim Replies: - nope sorry, everyone takes part in it..even the staff....but not necessarily as individuals. If you have a particular talent to show off then an individual spot would be good, otherwise it's expected that as your team you will put something short together to 'entertain' us. I don't know, a lecture on spinal boards may be very interesting!

09 May 2008

10:34

I really would prefer the wetsuit that way i know that im the only one that has used it. my question is Do I have to wear the splash suit or could i bring my own? Hi Again. You can bring one, but I think you would stand out as different...all the rest of your team will be dressed the same in them and be having to pull together....if it was me, I'd be leaving it at home and doing the same as the other members of my team I reckon. Tim

07 May 2008

14:26

Im a bit embarressed about myself in swimwear so could i just wear a wetsuit instead? i hate my legs and would like to cover them up as much as possible! Tim Replies:- Hi....Thanks for the question. In all the water based activities you will be provided with a full length 'splash suit', which is designed to cover you up completely, from feet to head. If you have a browse through the photos there's lots of them showing the stuff that we wear. No need for a wet-suit...that would be over-dressed! Whenever I go on the water I wear a pair of very old long cotton pants underneath and an old cotton t-shirt and some old flip flops, that way if I get too wet (and I always do!) then they don't hold too much water. It's definately not recommended that you go anywhere bare-legged or bare armed, the midges will have a field day! So don't worry too much about packing a swim-suit, so long as you have some light rough scruffs you don't mind getting wet through in, more than once.  I hope that puts your mind at rest, if not, please email me.

22 Apr 2008

19:39

Hiya. I filed in my application form a few weeks ago and havn't heard anything yet. Should I have please? Tim Replies:- Hi. I email everyone as soon as I receive their registration forms. It could be that I havn't got an email address for you on the form, or that I havn't been able to make it out properly. Just send me an email using the button on the left side of the screen and I'll make sure I get it right and email you back. As it is, I will be sending out the Course Handbooks to those registered in the first week in May, along with letters to you and your parents. I'll be sending them to your contact Rotarian to give them to you, so please stay in touch with them. The Course handbook and letter will let you know all the arrangements and which course you are on. Hope that helps. But please let me know your email address so I can keep you updated with things about the course. Tim

16 Apr 2008
12:22

I was just wondering if there is always dogs at these courses in the summer? Tim Replies....Hi...over the last few years members of the RYLA Staff have occasionally had their dogs with them through necessity of having to look after them. There have never been any problems. They are not in the communal areas or close to the other people there. If you have a phobia about dogs, then don't worry....none of them are of a temperament that would cause you any distress, we wouldn't stand for it, and you will never need to be near them unless you wanted to be. If you have an allergy to dog hairs, then they will never be so close as to set you off. May be best if it's causing you concerns to contact me direct so I can either allay your fears or, if not, make sure that we have some 'rules' in place to ensure that you are not put off the course by them being there. Get back to me with pleasure at my email address or ryla@blueyonder.co.uk Hope that helps a bit and I can put your mind fully at rest if you would like me to. Tim

06 Apr 2008

23:39

How do I find the nearest Rotary Club ? Thank You. Sincerely, Diane Miller Tim Replies: Hi Diane, if you go to the home page and look for the link 'Rotary District 1040 Website', then that will give you a list of all the clubs in the District and hopefully contact details. If you still can't find it then email me at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk with your town and I'll be able to put you in contact. Tim.

01 Apr 2008

12:07

18 Mar 2008

21:29

I know there is alot of swimming activities involved, however, i am not a confident swimmer, what should i do?  Tim Replies: Good question, because that's what it looks like, but actually there is NO swimming involved! There are one or two 'water based activities'...none of which rely on you being able to swim. Whenever we have a water based activity you will be wearing full bouyancy aids and never be in any depth of water that you couldn't stand up in. Yes, you'll get wet, yes you'll get immersed, but no, you don't need to swim. My own experiences of it are that the water based activities are the most fun you'll ever have.....so don't worry about being able to swim.....I'm no olympic swimmer and i love it.....you will too......just look at the photos on the website and you'll see the expressions of those the same as you....so whatever you do, don't worry about not being a good swimmer..........the crocodiles are!!!! (Just kidding there!) Being able to sing is more important than being able to swim!!!!

18 Mar 2008

09:05

what kind of questions do you tend to get asked about in the interview? Tim Replies: That's a difficult question, as all the different clubs that recruit awardees for the course all do it in different ways. What I would suggest though is that you become fully aware of the structure and aims of the course (which the website will give you), and then ask yourself what you would personally get out of it, how you would fit into it, and perhaps most importantly, how you would use the experiences of the course to make you a better person and how you would be able to help others, less fortunate than yourself, as a result of you being given the opportunity to go on it. Sounds like an exam question that does I know! But if I was interviewing (and I'm  not!) then that is what I would be looking for in a prospective applicant. Good Luck !

06 Mar 2008

05:04

I got a application about a month ago ande turned it in to my schools counselors..when will we find out if we get to come to the camp are not?  Hi...I think if you've applied through your school and it's been handed on to the Rotary Club in your area who have been seeking applications then they will be in contact soon to interview/select etc. You should be hearing from them soon as the deadline for them to get the completed registration forms to me is the end of April. Hope that helps. Tim.

28 Feb 2008

07:10

Very nice site!   Thanks Again!

13 Feb 2008

10:20

Very nice site!   Thanks!

05 Feb 2008

16:55

i dont understand, i have just recieved an application form from my scholl, i have filled it in and sent it off, does this mean i have definately got a place? Tim Replies: - Hiya......the 'application form' will have been sent by you by your local Rotary Club and will have been they who have devised it prior to the selection of people for them to send on the course. The next stage by them will be to see how many 'applicant's' they get for the RYLA Course and then to interview/select those successful. So, not a definate yet I am afraid....but I'm sure you will hear something from your local Rotary Club very soon. Once they have selected who they wish to send, then they fill an 'Awardee Registration' form in with you and your parents and send that off to me so I can allocate you a place and I will be in touch with you then by email if you include it on the Registration Form. Hope that makes sense. Good Luck!

16 Jan 2008

17:05

Sorry for the recent spam attack which filled this page....I'm working on it and hopefully have managed to block them now. Tim

21 Jul 2007

14:44

I was just packing my bag for the course and i was wondering why do we need pillows,bed cover and a bed sheet, don't they provide those things? and about the bed cover ,on the pictures they show children using sleeping bags on the actual bed? Tim Replies - Sorry...I didn't get this until after the Courses were over. I guess you found out the answer there. Sorry again.

04 Jun 2007

18:06

what do you need to bring to the camp? Tim Replies: Hi. All the stuff you need to bring with you is included in the Course Handbook when you receive it. If you have registered and not got it yet please chase up your contact Rotarian from your sponsoring club, or failing that send us an email via the link on here. There's also a list in the copy of the Handbook which you can view on the website itself. Hope that helps.

06 May 2007

06:12

Im sorry I wasnt as clear as I thought while reading over my previous post. When I attended as a "camper", the sponsors of the retreat were local college students that had attended RYLA when they were in High School. My father is a very active Rotarian but he wasnt sure how they were choosen either. My interest is in being a part of the STAFF for a week of RYLA for the High Schoolers, and not actually supporting them by funds. Tim Replies: That's ok. But I think from your question you are from another Rotary District. There are hundreds of different RYLAs run across the world, and all are run separately and in different ways, but all great in their own right. We here are in the UK in Rotary District 1040, West & North Yorkshire District. Do you know what Rotary District you are from? Or just let me know the Country/area etc. I can easily steer you in the right direction to contact them once I know. But great to hear from a past RYLArian who wants to help it continue it's success. Good Luck!

05 May 2007

16:56

I attended RYLA when I was in High School and I loved it! Now that I am in college, I was wondering how sponsers were found. I am interested and did not know how to go about being a sponser for the one in my area. Any suggestions? Tim Replies: I'm not entirely sure what you mean I'm afraid. RYLA Awardees are chosen and sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs. We receive support from various organisations and businesses to run the courses, but the cost of all awardees attending a course is borne by the Clubs. If you email us at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk I'll gladly put you in touch with your local Rotary Club.

29 Apr 2007

02:14

what if i have to leave early? Tim Replies: The course is very full and would be a shame if you wern't able to make the full 6 days of it. You need to talk to your contact from your sponsoring Rotary Club in that case, as it may be that you will need to change weeks so you can make the full course. I'm afraid we insist that at the selection stage people are selected who can make the full course. Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that crop up and your sponsoring club will discuss them with us to see if there is a solution that can be found.

21 Apr 2007

06:33

where in california Tim Replies:....sorry...I don't understand the question?

19 Apr 2007

23:33

Hi, I was nominated at my school for RYLA, and the website they gave me to apply was registrars@rmRYLA.org... but whenever I try to go to that website, my computer says that the page i'm requesting doesn't exist... what's going on!? Tim Replies:....having looked at the web address, that looks like the one for a district's RYLA in the USA, not here in Yorkshire, England. My guess is that you are from the US. If you send an email to that address, rather than trying to open it up as a web-page I think you'll find that works.

11 Apr 2007

20:18

when did ryla established? Tim Replies:...that's an easy one! The answer's on the website (or actually in one of the links from the Home Page). If I was to tell you all the answers to questions that you can investigate and learn yourselves then where's the challenge and development in that? So...have a go and make sure you add on the FAQ board the answer you (or anyone) can come up with......'You have all the information required to satisfactorily complete the task!' (You'll get fed up of hearing that phrase on the course!). Good Luck!

09 Apr 2007

20:49

Hello. I have found out that I cant make a couple of days at the end of the course I put down for. Does it matter if I miss the last 2 days? Tim Replies: That's a difficult one as to miss any of the course is never easy either on yourself or the others in your team. And if you don't complete the course then you won't get out of it the maximum in leadership development. The best thing is to discuss it with your contact from your sponsoring Rotary Club to see if you can change the week you are down for so that you don't miss any of it.

07 Apr 2007

10:34

Hi. I put down on my form that I was available for both weeks of the courses. When will I get to know which one I will be coming on please. Tim Replies: We will be allocating people to the two courses at the end of April. The deadline for the forms coming in from the Rotary Clubs is the end of April, so, provided they have sent me your form, then in early May I will be sending a copy of the Course Handbook and a letter for you and one for your parents out to your sponsoring Rotary Club to give to you. Hopefully you should get it at the beginning of May. If your form gets to me after the deadline, don't worry, I'll send your handbook and course dates out straight away to your Rotary Club.

05 Feb 2007

21:02

I am a Rotariam charged with contacting the local 6th form college to forge an ongoing relationship to get applicants. I was stumped by the simple question "How do students apply for an award" The web site gives no guidance on this and I would have thought a basic outline would be appreciated by students - such as a blank application form with suggested headings. The question on 15 Jan and 26 Jan 2007 highlight an obvious concern and I guess "newbie" would- be sponsoring clubs could also do with some advice. I'm not sure the website gives that much information on course content. Tim Replies: Hi. A good suggestion and one that we (The RYLA Team) are working on right now. There are alot of Clubs out there who adopt some very good practices in their recruitment and selection processes and it will be nice to pull them together to give everyone the advantage of a best-practice guide. Realistically that work isn't going to be done in time for this year's selections, but if you email me at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk I'll put you in touch with one of the RYLA Team who can help you with what we have available so far. Good Luck.  Tim

26 Jan 2007

21:16

hiya, i found out ive got an interview for the RYLA, what sort of things do they ask?! Tim Replies: That's a hard question! All the different Clubs that sponsor an Awardee on RYLA have a different selection process and questions, so I wouldn't dream of prejudging what they may be. However, if you read the web-site it gives you all the information about the RYLA Course and what you will get out of it at the end and what you will be expected to put in to be successful. Go armed with that information on your interview and you won't be far wrong! Good Luck with it. Let us know how you get on please.

24 Jan 2007

16:32

Can you request to be on the second course as im on holiday for the first one?! Tim Replies: Hi. Yes. Provided there is a good reason, and a booked holiday is certainly one of those, then we will accommodate you on the course that you can make. On the Awardee Registration Form, which you will get to fill in once you have been selected from your sponsoring Rotary Club, there is a paragraph which asks which of the two courses you are able to attend and that's how we get to know so we can plan people in. We prefer people to only discount a week though for a genuine reason as it does restrict our ability to plan and get the right mix of people on each course. We'll let you know which course you are definately on once we get all (or most) of the Registration Forms back in, probably after the 30th of April, but usually we are able to work round your commitments well. We will send you a copy of the Course Handbook, a letter and a letter for your parents to your sponsoring Rotary Club to let you have then which will give you all the details etc. Hope that helps.

17 Jan 2007

16:18

Are you being assesed on how well you do sport e.g im not very good at canoeing and i'm worried i'm not fit enough Tim replies: How well anyone is at sport doesn't come into it at all. It can be hard work and require alot of stamina sometimes, but no one is expected to be a super fit athlete or anything like. If you look at the photos on the web-site it will give you an idea of the activities you will be doing. Look at the smiles on those that are doing it and you'll notice they are not because they have just run a marathon! We use the outdoors alot for our activities, but it's not outdoor pursuits we are teaching, it's leadership, and the outdoors is a fun place to do it, although there is alot of inside activities too. A strong and healthy mind is more important than being athletic.

17 Jan 2007

16:09

Do you get a certificate for going or are you constantly being assesed and only get a certificate depending on you abilties beacuse i would hate to do it then fail and get nothing out of it? Tim replies: Yes, everyone gets a certificate at the end of the Course and no, it's not dependent on your abilities. There is no exam or pass mark or anything. Everyone who comes gives their best and no more is asked of them than that. Except to enjoy it, which everyone does.

15 Jan 2007

17:09

hi, erm.... i got a letter from a tutor at my school about applying for this course. he said i had to write a letter to you, about the course. i was wondering what i had to write in my letter? after all there's so many things i could say! is there any thing specific i have to include? Tim replies: Hi. Thanks for taking the time to check out the web-site. The 'letter' will be one of the ways that your local Rotary Club select people for the course I guess. I'm not entirely sure what they will be after, but you should have got a good idea what the RYLA course is about from here and what it can offer you in the way of developing your leadership skills, which should go a long way to describing in a letter why you would like to attend. All you need to do is phrase it well. Hope that helps, if in doubt still, then ask your tutor to find out some more information for you from the Rotary Club who asked for it. Or, email me which Club it is and I'll put you in contact with the Rotarian who is sorting it if you like. Hope that helps. Good Luck.

03 Jan 2007

23:45

Do you have a list of what the kids will need while attending  Tim replies: We are currently re-writing the list of equipment and clothing etc that Awardees will need to bring with them on the 2007 Courses and the revised list will be in the 2007 Course Handbook which everyone will receive before coming. However, you can view the current list on the RYLA Web-site - go to the Awardees Information Pages and the on-line Course Handbook and it's on Page 10 at http://www.ryla.org/handbookp10.htm. Hope that helps.

26 Oct 2006

20:37

Where do you get the application for the camp in january?   Bex replies: Hi, you must be from another Rotary District. Here in District 1040 (Yorkshire, UK) we run two RYLA Courses in summer, the next ones are in July 2007. Where are you from and we'll put you in touch with the RYLA Course in the area you are from? Or you can email us on www.ryla@blueyonder.co.uk with pleasure if you like.   Bex x

21 Jul 2006

07:34

Hi Everyone....If you are needing to contact any of the RYLA Team we are away now at Hebden Hey running the two Courses. Due to the poor mobile phone reception there, the only way we can be contacted if urgent is via the landline to the Centre. The number is on http://www.ryla.org/handbbookp1.htm and in your Course Handbook. If you are an Awardee, then please direct any enquiries to your Contact Rotarian from your Sponsoring Club. See you all there! Tim

20 Jul 2006

18:44

hi, for the talent night will it be ossible to plug my amp in anywhere as i have resorted to playing tune on my bass guitar. thankyou.- Tim Replies:-  No problem...we will have access to the 13amp mains. but also we will hopefully have a DJ and his kit there so we may even be able to wire it through his amp, speakers and lights. So bring it along!

19 Jul 2006

19:31

what time is registration on Saturday 22nd July - Tim Replies:-  If you read your Course Handbook that I sent out to you (and that you need to bring on the course) it outlines the times for drop off and collection on Page 2...it also gives you directions to the venue which you will need as well. If all else fails.....it's on the website too in the Awardees Pages. Good Luck! If you still can't find it...let me know.

17 Jul 2006

13:33

Are the groups allocated randomly or is there a possibility to request to be with someone you know? And is the talent contest compulsory? I know it's best to take part in all activities to get the most from the course but if you really really don't want to do something will you be made to?- Tim Replies:-  On each course the 32 Awardees are 'split' into 4 groups. Each group will have a mix and balance of people in them so that they have a good cross section of skills and so everyone can get the most out of it. That's not to say that you won't see at all any of the other people on the course, far from it as there is ample opportunity to interact with everyone, all 31 others. And you'll soon get to know everyone on the course so don't have any worries about being split up from your friends please. And similarly don't worry about the talent night. It's a bit of fun and to help us finish the course with a laugh and on a high. Alot of people (myself included) wouldn't have a clue what to do on their own and would run a mile and so take part as a group in some form of skit, which is not a problem at all. Anything (well nearly anything!) goes. Nothing is compulsory, but it's about getting as much fun and development out of it as possible. Have a word on the course with your Mentor when one is appointed there and they'll be able to allay any worries completely. I know for alot of people a new environment and new people is a daunting prospect, I've been through it myself. But seriously, don't worry, it's a fun course and at the end of it you'll wonder what the concerns were for. Come and tell me at the end of it if I was right please, I'll be there sharing your concerns and experiencing nerves as well at meeting all of you!

I am curently President of Ely Hereward RC (Dist 1080) and the subject of RYLA has come up at one of our Council meetings when one of our members asked Council whether the Club would support an application by his son to take part in this Course. Are you aware of any resrticitions on children of Rotarians who are otherwise elgible from being excluded? As this issue is currently under contention - I would be grateful of a prompt reply. YiR Gary K Gardner Rotary Club of Ely Hereward (District 1080) - Tim Replies:-  Hi Gary. Here in District 1040 we have in the past had children and other relatives of Rotarians as awardees, although they have been selected for the place on their merits, not simply because of who they are. That being said, I can't speak for District 1080's recruitment policy. I would suggest the best person to speak to is your District's Youth Activities Chairman, they should be able to give you the definitive answer.

If i am a rotary awardee for the year 2006 and i missed the cut off date to sign up, is it still possible for me to apply? - Tim Replies:-  If you can let us know which area you are from we will put you in touch with your local Rotary Club. Selection of awardees are done by them and then the registration forms are passed to us. We only run the two courses a year here in District 1040 (West & North Yorkshire), but there is always next year if you are from around here (although in this District our age spread of awardees is between 16 and not yet 18 on day one of the Course). So let us know where you are from by email please.

Heya Tim!! I thoroughly enjoyed the RYLA course it was amazing and I was just wondering if they do any courses like this (or similar) for adults?? - Tim Replies:-  Glad you enjoyed the course. I think it's probably unique. Rotary don't do anything quite like this in our area for adults, but there are lots of other opportunities with Rotary to experience the world, develop yourself and even help others along the way. Follow the Rotary links on the homepage and have a look through them and if you are still keen or interested in any any then contact your Rotary Club that sponsored you. They will be happy to help you onto any of the programmes I'm sure as they invested alot in you in putting you through RYLA and they'll be pleased to see you gain even more from the experience. Good Luck...let us know how you get on!

I know someone in my year who is one the same course as me, can we work togther for the talent show? - Bex Replies:- By all means yes, but you will probably find that you will want to do something for the talent show with your group as well and you probably wont be in the same group on the course,  this is to ensure that you get the widest learning experience available.  Come prepared with whatever you have in mind and we wont say no - the more 'acts' we can get that involve the most people the better!

someone from my school who has been before says that I need lots of clothes. is this right? - Tim Replies: - Probably, yes! You are bound to get wet on more than one occasion and muddy on others. So when you are going through the 'kit list' in the booklet don't be trying to cut down on spare clothing. And make sure it's ones that won't matter if they get messed up. We do have some modest drying facilities (a washing line and pegs) but if it's raining then you can guarantee there'll be clothes hung round to dry all over the place. We'll make sure you don't stay wet 24/7, but prevention is better than cure...so bring some spares.

My mum is worried that i wont eat properly and that i wont be very safe doing all these activities, but i still really want to come. Is there anything i can tell my parents to make them feel better about me attending? - Tim Replies: - Yes indeed! Rest assured, safety on the Course is paramount and something which everyone on it takes with the utmost seriousness. Get your parents to read the Course Handbook I sent and the letter that I sent to you to give to them along with it. If they look at the website too there's a page particularly for them and also the information on the website throughout will hopefully give them a good idea what it is you will be doing. If they are still worried, and they may well be, then contact your Rotary Club Contact and let them know and they may be able to help. Failing all of that, then they are more than willing to get in touch with one of the RYLA Team at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk, or my phone number on the letter I sent you with the handbook, and we will, hopefully, be able to answer any concerns they may still have.

How will i get to the course? I dont know where it it and my parents will be working. Im worried about getting back home when the course is finished too. - Tim Replies: - Your transport to and from the Course will be provided by your Sponsoring Rotary Club. It is their responsibility to make sure you get there and back and they will do just that, don't worry. Your responsibility is to make sure you link in with them and arrange it. You will also need to direct them there to the Centre at Hebden Hey. The directions are on the website and in the Course Handbook you were sent, along with the times you need to be there for. Don't be late!! So link in sooner rather than later with your Rotary Club contact and make the arrangements and start looking at the route. (And if you think a Sat-Nav is the answer...think again!...there's no route to it shown on any sat-nav I've ever seen!). Don't be tempted to think of getting relatives to bring you, or bringing your own car....that's not part of the deal...sorry!!

Do i have to do all the activities mentioned as i dont like the sound of some of them - will i be able to just sit out? - Tim Replies: - The answer is actually 'Yes, you need to fully participate'. All the activities are designed to enable you to develop your Leadership Potential to the maximum you can. Don't be afraid of any of them. They may sound daunting, some of them, but actually they are all able to be done by anyone. You don't have to be super-fit or athletic to do them. (I can even manage them and have!!) Some may be based on and sound like traditional outdoor activities but they are actually just the catalysts to help you work as a team and to develop leadership within that. Come prepared to give anything and everything a go and you won't go far wrong. You will get out of this course what you are prepared to put in...and in many cases alot more. It is tiring, but probably more mentally than physically. Whatever your strengths are in, during the course you will be able to use them to your benefit on ALL the exercises and activities.

Im a vegetarian, will i get enough to eat? - Tim Replies: - You certainly will....guaranteed! Our full time cook on site, Paula, runs a busy and large school kitchen in her 'day job' and is well used to cooking for all tastes, conditions and  preferences and I've never know her be phased by anyone's dietary needs. You will already have told us on your Registration Form about any special dietary needs. If you havn't yet, don't worry, just email us now if you like at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk or tell the Rotarian member of staff when they book you in. (not just fussy eaters mind!...but people with valid dietary needs that is)

I have a health problem that i dont want my peers to know about, can i be assured that it will be kept between staff and treated in confidence? - Tim Replies: - All the medical requirements that you have placed on your Registration Form is kept strictly confidential. The only people who will know about it are those Staff, who need to know for obvious reasons, and anyone you choose to tell on the Course. When you check in on Day 1 one of the Staff Mentors will go through your booking in with you, out of earshot of anyone else, and make sure that we have any medical and dietary requirements recorded correctly. If you havn't disclosed something on your form, then please do so at that stage. Throughout the Course the Rotarian Mentor assigned to your Group will always be there to provide you support if you need it and make sure that if you need medication or anything that it is always readily available.

Im on holiday on the dates you have given me for the course - who do i contact to change this? - Tim Replies: - Ok...you need, as soon as you can, to contact your Contact in the Rotary Club who is sponsoring you. Their details are on Page 2 of the Course Handbook that you were sent through the post. They will be able to arrange with us a swap (hopefully) for the other week. Don't delay..the Courses are virtually full up now and all the 64 places taken so it will need to be sorted sooner rather than later. If there's a problem getting in touch with your sponsoring Rotary Club contact then send us an email at ryla@blueyonder.co.ukg

Im scared of the dark, i dont think ill be able to do some of the activities and people will laugh at me, im not feeling very happy about attending. Is there anything i can do to make me feel better? - Tim Replies: - Most of us are scared of something. I certainly am and I must admit that sometimes there are some things which I would rather not do if I was to sit down and think about it. But that doesn't mean that I don't do it! With help from people around who you trust you can learn to deal with those fears and have alot of help in the process. No one is there to laugh at you and no-one will. Remember, this Course is about Leadership and one of the greatest parts of that is Teamwork. It's easier to deal with your fears as a Team and with their support than it ever is as an individual. As you get to trust your friends in your Team and they get to know you and your fears, along with your strengths, and you theirs, then you will succeed....together. If you want, send me an email at ryla@blueyonder.co.uk and I'll gladly put you in touch with one of the past awardees who may be able to explain better than I and who will have been through exactly what you are feeling now.

What kind of people will i meet on the course? Will this look good on my CV? Im nervous about meeting new people, will everyone feel the same? - Tim Replies: - I can guarantee that everyone will be nervous on the first day...even the staff believe it or not, me included! But remember, everyone is in the same position, a new place, new people, new experiences. If we wern't all nervous about that then there'd be something wrong. Before very long I can guarantee that you'll have bonded into your new teams and by the end of the course you'll be sorry to leave each other. Some of the friends you make on the Course will be friends for life if you want them to be. So be nervous, but don't be afraid and don't let your nerves get the better of you...everyone is there to help you and make sure you enjoy the course and develop to your maximum potential.

As regards the CV....well now, Rotary is one of the most respected Service Organisations in the world and the Rotary Youth Leadership Course is second to none. The development you make and leadership skills you learn on the RYLA Course will set you up for just about any recruitment or selection process you go through...and that's worth alot more than it just looking good on a CV.

Do i need to bring anything special with me on the course? - Tim Replies: - Yes, quite alot, but nothing that you have to go out and buy especially. There's a full list of what you need in the booklet you've been sent and also on the Web here in the On Line Course Booklet, so have a good look and make sure you have everything in advance and packed on the day. One word of caution though....don't bring anything expensive and designer (except maybe for the final night presentation and disco) as it won't stay in good condition for long, and security is always an issue with people losing things. Believe me!

How do I ask a question on here if I have one, and how do I get an answer? - Tim Replies:- It's easy really (providing it keeps working!)..just type your question in the box above and click the 'submit question' button. You'll need to refresh your page to update it to see it in the list. Then, as soon as we can we'll type the answer on here, just like this. Sounds good in theory doesn't it? Let's hope it works...give it a try and see. Good Luck. Tim.