RYPEN

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RYPEN: Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
The RYPEN team

 

2023 RYPEN CHALLENGE

Borambola Sport & Rec Centre, via Wagga Wagga

POSTPONED

New dates in March/April 2024 to be published in September.

 

The ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT (RYPEN) is a challenging weekend for year 9 students who show a positive and caring attitude in everyday life.
RYPEN is not a leadership camp; the program is aimed at students with good potential who could benefit from a boost in their self esteem and confidence.
The principal aim is to communicate a series of ideas, discuss social issues and run a series of challenging team-building activities that will assist the participants in developing communication and life skills.
 

Student reviews of RYPEN

Participating in RYPEN has given me many keys for life.
I have been able to form friendships, go out of my comfort zone and be vulnerable in a safe and supportive space.
My mentors and leaders as well as the facilitators have taught me the importance of courage, communication and kindness - three things I believe to be incredibly important in all aspects of life.
Not only was it an absolute blast, yet the skills that I have learnt have helped me navigate my life after RYPEN.
One of the main takeaways for me was the importance of kindness, and at RYPEN, the amount of kindness is incredible!
It is one of the best opportunities that have come my way and I truly believe it has shaped me into a better person. 
Marina, RYPEN camp participant 2017 and Youth Leadership Team member 2018, 2019 & 2022

What Happens at RYPEN?
 
 

About RYPEN

RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) is a 3 day camp program for Year 9 high school students. The aim is to communicate to these young people a series of ideas, problems and social experiences which will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards, and also to broaden their horizons culturally, socially and academically.

RYPEN is all about getting the kids to step outside their comfort zone, meet new people and try new things. Students participate in a range of team building games and also hear from some amazing and inspiring speakers on a wide range of topics as well as an amazing drama/improvisation session on the Saturday night which is always a hit.

A core component of the camp is how we communicate with, speak to and treat each other and understanding how that affects everybody, as well as getting kids to understand and try/appreciate the benefits of helping others. It's not a leadership camp as such but we really try to open the door to the concepts of leading by serving and doing for others.

The RYPEN camp is organised and overseen by Rotarians, but it is run by our RYPEN Youth Leadership Team (YLT) - a group of 10-12 ex-RYPEN students that have attended our 3 day Youth Leadership Training program. The YLT are aged between 16 and 19 and are committed to caring for all RYPEN participants and supporting them in really letting go of their fears and fully engaging in the RYPEN weekend. Youth leading youth is a recipe for success and since introducing the Youth Leadership team a few years ago we have seen and sharp increase in the level of engagement and positive outcomes for participants.
 
If you think a young person has qualities worth developing, then they are suitable for RYPEN and you should nominate them now.
 
Any Year 9 student can apply and all applicants must be endorsed by a Rotary Club. See the DOWNLOADS section for application forms and information for clubs and schools.
 
Each year the RYPEN Challenge is held at Borambola Sport and Recreation camp located approximately 13km east of Wagga Wagga on the Sturt Highway. The Camp commences at 5pm on Friday and runs until 1pm on Sunday. Accommodation and all meals are provided. Members of the District RYPEN Committee stay at the camp for the duration and provide support and security.
 
Return transport by bus is provided, stopping at many locations along the following routes:
  • A coach travelling between Bathurst and Wagga Wagga
  • A minibus travelling between Griffith and Wagga Wagga
  • Buses will also be arranged in 2021 to transport students from the Yass-Mittagong-Batemans Bay-Canberra area.
​For help or further information contact the RYPEN Committee, listed below.
 

Committee Members

Darren Wallace
Chairperson (Wollundry Wagga Wagga)
mob: 0409 120 108
email: darren@pcresources.com.au
 
District Rotarians can contact the committee members by visiting here
 
 
 
 

Link to D9700 Youth Policy