RYLA

For nearly a century, the Rotary Club of Minden has believed that leadership is not only developed — it is discovered, nurtured, and strengthened through opportunity. Each year, the club sponsors two local high school sophomores or juniors to attend the Great Plains Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, a four-day immersive leadership experience held at Camp Maranatha in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Though hosted at a traditional camp setting, Great Plains RYLA is a non-religious program focused entirely on personal growth, ethical leadership, teamwork, and service. Students participate in interactive workshops, group challenges, and dynamic presentations that encourage self-confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with integrity. Throughout the experience, participants build friendships with peers from across the region while gaining tools that will serve them for a lifetime.

This sponsorship reflects the Minden Rotary Club’s commitment to measurable, forward-looking impact. By investing in young leaders today, Rotary strengthens the future of schools, businesses, and communities across Nebraska. The program embodies the club’s trustworthy stewardship — thoughtfully selecting and supporting students who demonstrate potential — while remaining modern and relevant in its focus on leadership development in an ever-changing world.

RYLA also represents Rotary’s inviting spirit. It opens doors for students who may not yet see themselves as leaders and encourages them to step confidently into new roles. When these young people return home, they bring with them fresh perspectives, renewed motivation, and a stronger sense of responsibility to serve others.

Through RYLA, the Rotary Club of Minden continues its century-long legacy of empowering the next generation — honoring tradition while actively shaping the future.