Youth Programs

Youth Director Terry Murphy recently outlined most of the youth program offerings of Rotary/D9800 to give members a wide perspective on the opportunities available. He encourages any members or youth interested in any of the programs to contact him via email: castlemainerc.youth@gmail.com
 
ABOVE: Castlemaine's Sage Siebler took away life long lessons from the RYLA program in 2025.
 
  • Primary, yrs 5–6
  • Meet during school hours
  • Involvement teaches values such as caring, respect, responsibility, tolerance, compassion, friendship and leadership
  • Secondary, yrs 7–12
  • Meet during school hours
  • Each year, Interact Clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill.
RYPEN    https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/youth/rypen
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
  • Years 9–11
  • Weekend camp developing leadership potential through lectures and adventure-based learning
  • Fee paid by Rotary Club
  • Service club for young women and men, 18+
  • Address communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace
  • Sponsored and mentored by a Rotary club
RYLA    https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/youth/ryla
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
  • 18–25
  • 7-day residential camp
  • In D9800, leaders are RYLArians
  • Leadership development focus
  • Attendance sponsored by Rotary Club
  • Rotary Castlemaine sponsored Sage Siebler to attend RYLA 2025
Literacy Development
Often sponsored by single Clubs
  • Arrangements, prizes at the Club’s discretion
  • Examples:
    • Early Years Literacy Development Prep  Year 9
    • Reading Volunteers Program Primary
    • Primary School General Writing Competitions
    • Peace Writing Competition Yrs 5–6
    • General Writing Competition Yr 6
Public Speaking & Debating
Model United Nations Assembly     https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/youth/muna
  • Schools enter teams of 2 students
  • Simulates the workings of the United Nations General Assembly
  • Students use research, debating and public speaking skills to address a wide range of contemporary and world-focussed issues.
Scholarships
  • Rotary Foundation scholarships are awarded to students who are talented and motivated, but hampered by financial disadvantage
  • Rotary Castlemaine supports (50%) two scholarships at Castlemaine Secondary College
Science programs       https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/youth/science-programs
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
  • 12-day live-in science immersion program at a major Aus university
  • For students commencing Year 12 and considering a science, engineering or technology-based career
  • Rotary Castlemaine has sponsored four students in the last five years (50% of student registration fee)
Science Experience
  • 1-4 days for years 9–10 students to have a fun experience with science
Science and Engineering Challenge
  • Science and engineering competition where secondary school teams compete in a range of science activities, to progress to State and National finals
  • Partnership of Rotary and Deakin University
Rotary Youth Exchange
  • A reciprocal 12-month exchange between secondary students sponsored by Rotary Clubs in District 9800 and Rotary Clubs in other Districts overseas
  • Students spend a year studying abroad, living with Rotary volunteer host families who introduce them to a new culture, language and lifestyle in one of the countries we exchange with
Job Ready
Mock Job Interviews
  • A common Vocational Service project to assist students prepare for the real thing
  • May cover how to prepare resumés and cover letters and how to prepare for an interview
Breakfast Club
  • Some students arrive at school hungry
  • Breakfast Club provides an opportunity for a nutritious breakfast to enhance learning outcomes
Rotary Castlemaine participates in the Breakfast Club at Castlemaine Secondary College
Anyone requiring information about any of the above programs should contact our Youth Director by email:  castlemainerc.youth@gmail.com