The Rotary Club of Wellington NSW proudly supports a range of youth development programs designed to help young people grow in confidence, leadership and community awareness.
These programs provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves, meet new people and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Our club promotes several Rotary youth initiatives including:
-
RYPEN – Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
-
RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
-
Rotary Youth Exchange
-
Other Rotary youth opportunities as they become available
Students from Wellington and the surrounding district are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of Wellington to learn more about these programs and possible sponsorship opportunities.
RYPEN
ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT
The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) assists young Australians in Years 7 to 12 to:
-
Develop a greater sense of self-awareness
-
Appreciate diversity in society
-
Recognise their own potential and the potential of others
RYPEN is a dynamic youth development program designed to help students build confidence and discover their strengths in a supportive environment.
The program runs over two days, commencing on a Saturday and finishing on the following Monday. During the program, participants take part in a range of fun and engaging activities designed to develop skills in:
-
Leadership
-
Team building
-
Problem solving
-
Creative thinking
-
Understanding and working with others
Through these activities, students gain valuable life skills while forming new friendships with young people from across the region.
​
Dates: 6-8 June 2026
Venue: The Francis Retreat, 2 Thomson Place, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
Closing Date for Applications: Thursday 7 May 2026
Dates: 3-5 October 2026
Venue: The Great Aussie Bush Camp​​
​
RYLA
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is an intensive leadership development program for young people aged 18 to 25 who show leadership potential in their community, workplace or studies.
​
The program brings together young adults from across the region for several days of workshops, activities and challenges designed to develop their leadership skills and confidence.
Participants gain valuable experience in:
-
Leadership and teamwork
-
Communication and public speaking
-
Problem solving and decision making
-
Personal development and goal setting
​
RYLA also provides an opportunity to build strong friendships and networks with other young leaders.
Young people from the Wellington district who would like to attend RYLA are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of Wellington NSW to learn more about the program and possible sponsorship opportunity
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Rotary Youth Exchange is an international program that gives students the opportunity to live and study overseas while experiencing a new culture, language and way of life.
Through the program, students stay with host families, attend a local school and become part of their host community. In return, they share their own culture and build lifelong friendships with people from around the world.
​
Rotary Youth Exchange helps young people develop:
-
Confidence and independence
-
Cultural awareness and understanding
-
Leadership and communication skills
-
Global friendships and connections
​
Students from the Wellington region who are interested in participating in Rotary Youth Exchange are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of Wellington NSW to learn more about the application process and possible sponsorship opportunities.
Science and Engineering
Challenge (SEC)
The Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a hands-on STEM program designed to inspire Year 9 and 10 students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Students work in teams to complete fun and practical challenges such as building model bridges, designing electrical supply grids, and constructing working catapults. These activities encourage problem solving, teamwork and creative thinking while showing how STEM skills are used in the real world.
The program began in Newcastle in 2001 and is run through a partnership between The University of Newcastle and Rotary clubs across District 9660, including the Dubbo region.
Students from the Wellington area may have the opportunity to participate through programs supported by the Rotary Club of Wellington NSW
One Big Mission
Four Local Teens. One Big Mission. A Journey to Nepal.
We are a group of four students from Wellington High School, NSW, preparing for the adventure of a lifetime — a life-changing humanitarian journey to Nepal later this year. Through the incredible program run by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), we’ll be volunteering in remote mountain villages, helping to improve the lives of local communities by lending a hand wherever it’s needed — whether that’s building, teaching, or simply showing up with open hearts and willing hands. Since 2010, RAWCS has been making a real difference across Nepal, and now it's our turn to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This page is where you can follow our journey, support our fundraising efforts, and cheer us on as we represent Wellington, NSW, on the world stage. Together, with your support, we’re proving that even students from a small town can make a big difference.
SCIENCE CHALLENGE
MORE INFO COMING SOON
