North Atlantic Rotary continues to create powerful spaces for youth to grow, connect, and lead.
In February, our Youth Exchange students gathered for a memorable ski weekend at Ski Martock, building friendships and confidence beyond the classroom. Interact leaders and Rotarian advisers came together virtually to collaborate on upcoming service initiatives, including participation in the Epic Month of May.
Nine youth from across our district have also been selected to attend the 4th Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Six Nations of the Grand River this March — an important opportunity for learning, dialogue, and relationship-building.
This spring, leadership development continues with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 in Truro, NS, equipping teens with practical leadership skills, teamwork strategies, and confidence to lead in their schools and communities.
👉 Read more for details, registration deadlines, and ways to get involved.
Programs for Young Leaders
March 2026 Newsletter
Youth Exchange
The Youth Exchange ski weekend took place on Feb 19-22, 2026 with 9 Inbounders and 1 rebounder attending. We had 2 glorious ski days at Ski Martock and several of the students even returned to the hill for night skiing on Saturday evening. The group stayed at Camp Mockingee, a camp about 10 mins drive from the hill operated by the Rotary Club of Windsor. Thanks to Andy Kirk, Lauren McLennan, Kevin Connors Jr, Reid Harrison, Karen Broydell, and Jonathon Winter without whom the weekend would not be possible.
Thanks also to Kevin Connors for facilitating this great event for exchange students for another year!
Interact
We held our ROTARIAN/ TEACHER ADVISERS Zoom on February 2, 2026 with 22 folks attending and nice to see Interactors also join us. Thank you to our guest speaker Nikki Whyte who explained about the Epic Month of May. We hope to see Interact Clubs work with their Sponsor Club on a project in May. Our yearly contest for Interact Clubs on Facebook is not in the judging stages. Watch for winners to be announced by mid-March.
Thank you to all who participated and the terrific work you accomplished in your communities.
Paula Hiltz
D7815 Interact Chair
Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP)
Nine Youth have been selected from District 7815 to attend the 4th Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario March 22 – 28, 2026. We have 6 indigenous and 3 non-indigenous youth who are attending; 1 student from PE, 1 from NB, 3 from NL, and 4 from NS are included in this group! More details to follow!
Looking for a District Coordinator to Chair this committee for 2027.
Please reach out to Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca or 709-749-8849 if you wish to get involved or lead this program in the future.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
RYLA 2026 for the Maritimes will be in Truro, NS May 15-16, 2026. Registration details below.The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of the most successful Rotary programs run by Rotary clubs around the world. District 7815 RYLA is a fun and intensive training program designed for teens (15-19 years of age) to inspire leadership and provide them with the skills to complete their goals.
What are the benefits of RYLA?
RYLA allows you the opportunity to build your problem solving and communication skills, discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community, explore career paths, share ideas and experiences with your peers, coordinate youth activities and/or community service projects and discuss creative approaches for resolving family, social, and professional conflicts.
Through RYLA, Rotary District 7815 aims to:
- Provide young leaders the opportunity to collaborate in a supportive environment to gain a better understanding of their own and others’ strengths, unique qualities, and abilities
- Facilitate workshops about teamwork, communication, and motivation to develop the leadership skills
- Demonstrate Rotary's commitment to youth development and growth
When and where is RYLA held?
Rotary District 7815’s RYLA 2026 will be held at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Truro, NS on May 15th & 16th. Registration/Check in opens at 4:00 pm on Friday. Departure/ pickup time is May 16th at 2pm.
What is the cost for RYLA?
The total cost for the weekend is $175. This includes overnight accommodations at NSCC and meals (Friday night, Saturday breakfast & lunch, snacks), as well as a certificate of completion for the John Maxwell iChoose program and certificate of participation at RYLA. Check with your local Rotary club to see if they can sponsor you.I
Questions?
Email- Elizabeth Wilcox at wilcoxelizabeth8@gmail.com
Registration?
Registration deadline: Apr 24th,2026
Online or email completed Registration Form to Registration RYLA 2026 is coming to St. John’s, NL for May 8th and 9th, 2026.
Registration detail to follow! If you wish to help, reach out to Jane, contact details Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca or 709-749-8849.
