What is RYLA you ask? Well RYLA or the Rotary Youth Leadership Award is a seven day camp designed to empower young people to make them think about what they want to achieve in life and help equip them with the skills to make that a reality.

Run by Rotary, the camp is for young people aged 18 to 27 and brings together people living between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour in the east and out west past Tamworth.

Hastings Rotaract president and RYLA 2020 organising committee vice chair, Andrew Stokes said RYLA is a great opportunity for anyone seeking to help a young person succeed.

"RYLA is a Rotary run, youth program for young individuals who want to better themselves and make lifelong friends while doing it," Mr Stokes said.

"In short it is a personal development course that gives the participant the tools to decide on what they want to do in the future for themselves.

"Without giving too much away, the course spans over a week, each participant is involved in a series of short seminars with some amazing speakers, outdoor and indoor activities along with other activities which allow the participant to challenge and better themselves should they wish."

In 2020 RYLA will be hosted at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre, (Between Tamworth and Gunnedah) from May 2-9.

Mr Stokes, who has participated in the camp as well as heading back as a leader, said after a week spent thinking about themselves and what they want out of life, young people come away feeling like they can take on the world.

"RYLA is a great thing because it gives the opportunity for the participant to distance themselves from the usual and really ask themselves what do I want, it gives them the opportunity to make a decision about the future without having any pressures or influences from anyone else," he said.

"It is not necessarily aimed at people who know their path in life nor is it aimed at people who have no idea, it is a place where young leaders can identify what matters to them and how they can do that professionally and personally."

Though there is costs involved it is not up to the young person to fund that, Mr Stokes said.

"The program cost $995 per person but does not cost the participant a cent, once you apply to go a sponsor will pay on your behalf.

"We are also hosting an information session at Panthers in Port Macquarie on November 27 for young people who think this might be a great opportunity for them and for businesses to see how they can help their younger employees be the best version of themselves."

To apply for RYLA 2020 head to the official website or to find out more information contact Andrew Stokes on 0401 315 832 or Louise Matthews via email lmjew@bigpond.com.

To learn more about the information night click here.