The Rotary Club of Silver City has announced that it is accepting applications for the 2016 Rotary District 5520 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. Successful candidates will attend the RYLA Conference at the Manzano Mountain Retreat this summer at no charge to the participants. There will be a boys' camp from Sunday, July 17, 2016 to Saturday, July 23, 2016, and a girls' camp from Saturday, July 23, 2016 to Friday, July 29, 2016.

According to local program chair, Kevin Cook, the program is open to high school students entering their senior year this fall who have exhibited leadership potential and an interest in developing their leadership abilities. Nominations are being accepted from high school principals, counselors and others.

Aimed at developing the leadership potential of young men and women, the RYLA conference will feature many challenging activities including workshops, speakers, discussions, sports, music and news reporting. Topics will focus on decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, public service, contemporary problems, and career development.

The participants will live, work, study, and play together in a democratic setting under the guidance of professional counselors and educators. In addition, guest lecturers and discussion leaders will make presentations on a variety of vocational and community topics.

Past participants in the RYLA program have come away with a sense of accomplishment and enhanced confidence and leadership skills.

The Rotary Club will continue to accept applications during the coming weeks until its quota of participants is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by April 30th to assure consideration for this summer's program.

Further information about and application forms for RYLA can be found at https://ryla5520.shutterfly.com/. Anyone interested in obtaining further information should contact Kevin Cook at 575-912-5215, Sunny Yates at 575-313-2200, or any other member of the Rotary Club.