Youth Programs & Projects
Rotary's youth programs are designed to cultivate future leaders while also promoting positive change in the world. These programs are not exclusive to Rotary club members; instead, they extend their out to all members of the community, ensuring everyone has access to these invaluable opportunities. By fostering leadership skills and offering financial support for meaningful projects, Rotary empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to a better society.
Read below for details of the youth programs that are offered by our Club and District.
Rotary’s Cardboard Boat Regatta
One of our signature projects from 2019, Rotary’s Cardboard Boat Regatta is an event to mark on the annual calendar, where students battle the currents of the Hastings River in vessels made entirely from used cardboard, all competing for the illustrious title of Overall Winner!
Held in November/December each year (depending on the tides), schools from all over the Mid North Coast get to work creating unique and elaborate, often hilarious boat designs from used cardboard to compete in time trials, 100 metres up the Hastings River and back again.
Students from senior years design and build a boat from recycled cardboard, tape and decorative paint and race from the boat ramp at Marine Rescue, in teams of two, out and around a series of buoys and return home again without sinking. You ask, “do they sink, yes they do!”
The morning’s competition sees success and epic failure all in one, with laughter and fun the centre point of the event. Some boats sail effortlessly up the river while others capsize, take on water and ultimately sink in an extravaganza of entertainment for all ages.
Of course, there is an educational aspect which encourages students to work as part of a team to problem solve and explore their creative flair through Marine Science at High school.
Each boat is graded and judged by the global maritime engineering company Birdon, who also sponsor the major award categories:
- Most creative design
- Most team character and best team spirit (costumes, team chant, team work…)
- Most epic fail
- Winner overall
Join us for a splash, laughter and entertainment as proud teachers, parents and Rotarians cheer on their favourite teams, in what is described as the youth water sport competition of the year!
Rotary’s Cardboard Boat Regatta is proudly sponsored and supported by Birdon (https://www.birdon.com.au) and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie (https://www.marinerescueportmacquarie.com.au)
RYPEN – Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment District 9660
RYPEN assists young Australians aged 13-17 to:
- develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
- Appreciate diversity in society
- Realise their own and other’s potential.
The Leadership team consists of Rotaract and RYLA volunteers who each bring a unique set of skills and experience.
The program is run over 2 days commencing on a Saturday afternoon and finishing on Monday afternoon. It offers a variety of activities that allow participants to increase their knowledge and improve their skills in leadership, team building, problem solving and creative thinking. Participants also learn about understanding others. These sessions are balanced with games and outdoor challenges that provide the opportunity to practise new skills. All sessions are done working in teams with an assigned leader from the leadership team.
In 2025, the camp will be held over the June long weekend and applications close at the beginning of May.
Current Cost: $400.00 per student.
Participants may self-fund or approach their local Rotary club to seek sponsorship.
Application details are available at schools in the area.
Youth Exchange Program (YEP)
The Rotary International Youth Exchange Program provides sponsorship by a Rotary Club for secondary school students aged 15 to 17 to live and study abroad and live with host families for a period of time. There are also short-term exchanges available.
The primary goal of Rotary Youth Exchange is providing young people with opportunities to experience a cultural exchange and to develop as leaders who promote peace and justice around the world.
Youth Exchange Website - https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges
RYLA - ROTARY Youth Leadership Awards
RYLA aims:
- To demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
- To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth
- To provide leadership training experience for young people to assist them to be actively and effectively involved with their communities and their work place.
RYLA involves a week-long camp with activities geared towards achievement of the RYLA aims. It is available to young people between the ages of 19 and 27. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor staff members and applicants may also be supported by individual Rotary clubs.
Further information is available here:
https://www.dacdb.com/Rotary/Accounts/9660/assets/2024-2025/RYL%20Brochure%202025.pdf
NYSF: The National Youth Science Forum
NYSF runs summer schools in January each year for high school students with a talent and passion for science. Students who have completed year 11 gain exposure to professional scientists and engineers in a variety of laboratory and industry visits, hands-on experiments and video links to overseas facilities. They also take part in enrichment activities related to career and personal development. Most importantly, they meet with students who have similar goals and passions.
Year 11 students in 2024 were eligible to apply for January 2025 in either Canberra or Brisbane.
Application details and associated costs can be found here: https://www.nysf.edu.au/what-we-do/how-to-apply/
Program graduates return with new enthusiasm and understanding that have inspired their future in the sciences.
Mock council meetings with the Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West negotiates for school students to attend the Local Council Office and experience a mock council meetings in council chambers, learning by experience how a community makes decisions in our town.
This program promotes understanding of the process of local government and the issues that impact our community, as well as inspiring some students to take more interest in the politics of government.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGE (SEC)
The Science and Engineering Challenge is designed to inspire year 9-10 students to consider future STEM careers by involving them in a series of fun and engaging science and engineering-based activities that would not be available in a school classroom.
These activities themselves involve a wide range of STEM challenges including building model bridges, planning electrical supply grids, and even building functional catapults.
This community-based program commenced in Newcastle in 2001 and continues with the continued strong partnership between The University of Newcastle’s Faculties of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, and Rotary International’s District 9660 Rotary Clubs as community partners.
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Students from Years 9,10 or 11 can be involved in this lively competition, delivering a speech on their chosen topic which in some way incorporates one or more aspects of the Rotary Four Way Test. Maximum time of 5 minutes.
Students may use the same prepared speech at each level of the competition with or without changes or present a new speech.
Students will also be asked to deliver an impromptu speech on a topic assigned by the organisers.
Competition begins at the local club with finalists progressing to the Area final and the District Finals series.
Photo Competition
For the last few years, the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West has hosted a photography competition for budding artists, with a different theme each year. The members of the Rotary Club judge the competition, with the winner receiving their photograph professionally mounted in a frame.
DOROTHEA MacKELLAR POETRY competition
The Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Awards seek to capture the imaginations of school students across Australia, inspiring them to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of poetry in their pursuit of literary excellence.
Application information can be found here: https://dorothea.com.au/entry-information/
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