RYLA is an intense and incredibly challenging program, sponsored by California and Nevada Rotary Districts 5180 of Northern California and 5190 of Northern Nevada, and has been designed to engender passion, resilience, determination, mental toughness, gratitude and compassion. In addition, the program will instill in the participants the value of Service above Self, a core Rotary belief.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in a character building program provided by the Grizzly Creek Ranch Ropes Course, which focuses on leadership, effective communication, trust and cooperation. Utilizing adventure, personal commitments and shared insights, you will gain an increased sense of confidence in yourselves and in your team.

Attendance at RYLA is supported by fully paid scholarships provided by the generosity of the Rotarians of the 95 clubs in Rotary Districts 5180 and 5190 and takes place at the superb educational retreat at the Grizzly Creek Ranch located near Portola, California.

https://www.camp-ryla.org/

American Legion (CA) Boys/Girls State is a national program which exists in all states except Hawaii and is among the most prestigious, respected, and selective educational programs in the Nation. It is a participatory program of government instruction for U.S. high school juniors in which they become part of the operation of local, county and state government. Boys/Girls State 2023 is for the first time a co-educational program since its founding in 1935.

At Boys/Girls State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys/Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.

American Legion Post 130 located in Grass Valley will select up to 8 high school juniors to attend the program. Those students selected to attend will have room and board expenses paid, the only cost to you as a parent is transportation to and from the California State University Sacramento, where the program is conducted.

The value of Boys/Girls State participation/graduation on your students college application cannot be over emphasized. It is one of the most important activities military service academies look for, as well as top colleges and universities.