Teenagers today benefit greatly from opportunities to develop life skills and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future. Students have pressure to perform academically: their results are the benchmark of success. However other skills are needed for the next stage of a student's growth, be that further education or the workplace.
RYPEN is aimed at year 10 students, who have shown qualities of decency, courage, persistence, sincerity, leadership and application in everyday life, and who deserves further development and guidance.What is RYPEN?
RYPEN stands for Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment It is a weekend camp for Year 10 students aimed at developing new life skills in a team environment through physical activity
Outdoor skills sessions, indoor presentations and guest speakers held at the Lakewood Lodge complex
Designed for students who show qualities of courage, perseverance and loyalty in everyday life. The course provides confidence and team building
It is not a leadership course, but a personal development course with full involvement expected by all participants.
Guest speakers may speak on a range of topics such as:
The Law and You, Job seeking, Youth Role Models, Social Skills, Youth Issues
RYPEN aims for the “average” student and not for the outstanding few! It is advised that ‘friends’ are not selected. If the student does not know anyone at the start of the weekend they’ll be certain to leave with 20 to 40 new friends when it concludes.
It’s strongly suggested that the selection is made by the Year 10 dean of the school who will know of appropriate students for selection.
A range of activities is included to challenge the students, from motivational speakers to anti-drug and crime avoidance, to outdoor high ropes/confidence courses and water activities. They are never bored!
Who Runs & Sponsors RYPEN
The combined Rotary clubs, Companies and individuals provide logistical and financial assistance. The individual sponsoring Rotary Club is responsible for the briefing of all applicants from their area, and for transporting them to and from the camp. The RYPEN organising committee is responsible for final selection and briefing of all applicants while at the camp
Further information is available from the RYPEN Coordinator:
Rowan Anderson-Phone 027 4724 336
- The process – Clubs are approached to determine the number of students they wish to sponsor.
- The RYPEN committees approach schools for their support and involvement in selecting students.
- Students are matched to Clubs and Clubs are involved in transporting students to the weekend RYPEN venues.
- This gives an opportunity to meet the students prior to the camp.
The students are advised that they will be required to speak to your club following camp, to share their experiences with you.
RYPEN 2025 was be held on 9th, 10th and 11th May
at Lakewood Lodge at Glen Murray.
at Lakewood Lodge at Glen Murray.
Here is a thank you speech given by Mia.
Good evening. My name is Mia Mulholland and I am using this presentation to express my
gratitude towards Rotary for sponsoring me to go to this incredible camp. Even though it only
lasted for a short period of time it felt like a week. I had soo much fun the time flew by with our
busy days.
This camp had various activities, such as team building, a flying fox, horse riding, ice breakers,
kayaking, rock climbing, archery, and a concert. It was so much fun to meet so many new
friends. The instructors were lovely and the food was delicious.
I got selected for this camp from my year 10 dean, who went round to all of the teachers and
asked them who in year 10 showed leadership-like qualities. This camp was truly one of the
most amazing camps I have been to. I have been to many Scout jamborees and this camp was
to their level of enjoyment. From the diverse range of activities like team building challenges to
horse riding, it offered me a variety of new skills. Like how to communicate with people in a
team and how to climb a large wall.
This camp benefited me in so many different ways. It was an opportunity to build confidence,
meet a wide range of different people, and step outside of my comfort zone.
So I would like to thank you again for sponsoring me to go to one of the best camps I have ever
attended. I would also like to thank Rowan for driving me even though I chewed her ear off with
all of my talking on the drive home. And a special thanks to rotary for providing this sponsorship
so that kids like me get to go on incredible camps like this one.
gratitude towards Rotary for sponsoring me to go to this incredible camp. Even though it only
lasted for a short period of time it felt like a week. I had soo much fun the time flew by with our
busy days.
This camp had various activities, such as team building, a flying fox, horse riding, ice breakers,
kayaking, rock climbing, archery, and a concert. It was so much fun to meet so many new
friends. The instructors were lovely and the food was delicious.
I got selected for this camp from my year 10 dean, who went round to all of the teachers and
asked them who in year 10 showed leadership-like qualities. This camp was truly one of the
most amazing camps I have been to. I have been to many Scout jamborees and this camp was
to their level of enjoyment. From the diverse range of activities like team building challenges to
horse riding, it offered me a variety of new skills. Like how to communicate with people in a
team and how to climb a large wall.
This camp benefited me in so many different ways. It was an opportunity to build confidence,
meet a wide range of different people, and step outside of my comfort zone.
So I would like to thank you again for sponsoring me to go to one of the best camps I have ever
attended. I would also like to thank Rowan for driving me even though I chewed her ear off with
all of my talking on the drive home. And a special thanks to rotary for providing this sponsorship
so that kids like me get to go on incredible camps like this one.
Horse arena with the climbing wall in the background.
See us on 
