• RYPEN

    New Leader Application

  • RYPEN is an annual 4 day youth leadership conference that promotes personal growth, connections and leadership in a safe environment by providing challenging opportunities and tools to empower youth who have demonstrated courage and perseverance in their daily lives.


    The volunteer leader is an integral part of the RYPEN team. Passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for working with youth are key characteristics of a RYPEN leader. Communication skills – both the ability to listen and speak – are critical to the success of RYPEN leaders. RYPEN leaders are a defining piece of the RYPEN participant’s experience, acting as positive role models who embody the ideals of Rotary, ethical behavior and the 4-way test, and service above self. This is demonstrated in the commitment of time and giving of themselves to achieve an exceptional RYPEN experience


    Important Note:
    RYPEN leaders are not trained to provide psychological assistance to participants and should never attempt to do so. Leaders can provide an avenue for participants to discuss insights and issues in a safe environment. RYPEN leaders should immediately advise the program counsellor and program chair of suspected child abuse or psychological problems so that appropriate action and assistance can be provided. Training on how to handle such situations is provided.

    General:

    • RYPEN 2026 will take place from Friday May 1st to Monday May 4th, 2026 at the Southern Alberta Bible Camp (SABC)
    • No cost to serve, but must get yourself to and from SABC, may take the program bus from Calgary
    • Those volunteering at RYPEN cannot drive students to and from SABC unless otherwise approved by the program chair
    • Must be able to attend all days of RYPEN (Beginning in the early afternoon of Day 1, ending early afternoon on Day 4; no late arrivals or leaving early)
    • Must be willing to attend a leader training prior to attending the RYPEN conference
    • Must have a willingness to work with high school junior and senior boys and girls 
    • Participate fully in all sessions and activities as appropriate
    • Ensure the safety of participants and leaders during all program activities (including cabin time)
    • Must complete the Rotary Volunteer Registration Process, which includes a criminal background check

    Once submitted, a copy of the application will also be sent to the applicants email. If you do not recieve a copy, something may have gone wrong. Please remember to check junk and spam folders.

    New leader applications will open December 2025. All submitted applications will be reviewed in late January 2026 and successful candidates will be contacted early February. Any applications received after this time will still be accepted, but will be placed on a waitlist and contacted as spots open up.

  • How do you self identify?*
  • Applicant Age*
  • Applicant Birthdate*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year

  • Parental Consent for applicants 17 and under

    I,   *   *, parent/guardian of *   * (leader applicant) give consent to their participation in the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)as a volunteer leader.

    *   (parent/guardian)
    Pick a Date*   

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Do you have a valid first aid certificate?*
  • Have you attended RYPEN before either as a participant or leader?*
  • What roles have you been? Select all that apply*

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    There are two important volunteer leader roles at RYPEN. The Junior Leader and Senior Leader. Both play invaluable roles at RYPEN and each has its own unique set of responsibilities and eligibility requirements. The roles, responsibilities, and eligibility requirements for each are as follows:

    Junior leader

    • Must be between the ages of 16 and 24
    • Preference is given to those who have attended RYPEN as a participant
    • Demonstrate excellent leadership skills during RYPEN, be a good communicator, and should feel comfortable leading a group of peers
    • Have attained a high level of confidence and skill to be a success
    • Facilitate all small group activities and discussions while encouraging individual and team growth within your assigned group
    • Work closely with your senior leader to develop a team dynamic as well as your own skills
    • Lead your small group of participants through RYPEN
    • Be able to occupy the participants in a productive manner between activities
    • Facilitate all activities and discussions with confidence and ease
    • Use various techniques to help participants develop their leadership skills
    • Challenge participants to break barriers, be bold, be creative, and be an initiator
    • Put the needs of the participants ahead of the needs of the junior leaders or other volunteers
    • Report all problems and emergencies to your senior leader or RYPEN coordinator
    • Maintain communication with your fellow junior leaders
    • Help mentor junior leaders who are serving in their first year
    • Key Roles: Facilitator, Role Model, Learner, Leader

    Note: The maximum years a person may attend RYPEN as a Junior leader is capped at 4 years or until the age of 24, whichever comes first. This is in an effort to ensure others are given a chance to grow their skills as a Junior Leader. When an individual reaches this point, they may choose to transition to the role of Senior Leader or as an Admin.

    Senior Leader

    • Must be either a Rotarian in good standing with your club, be recommended by a Rotarian in District 5630, be recommended by a member of the RYPEN Admin team or have prior experience as a leader with RYPEN
    • Must be at least 24 years of age or older (0-4 years of prior experience with RYPEN)
    • Must be at least 22 years of age or older (4+ years of prior experience with RYPEN)
    • The two major needs for senior leaders are to enable young adults to continue their leadership development and to ensure the fulfillment of the goals for the RYPEN participants
    • Have demonstrated excellent leadership skills and the ability to motivate youth
    • Support and stay in communication with your junior leader to develop the group dynamic as well as the individual participant’s skills
    • Attend all activities with your small group
    • Oversee the safety of the junior leader and your small group
    • Help make connections between RYPEN and Rotary
    • Serve as a mentor to your junior leader and participants
    • Enforce team rules and implement necessary consequences. Any issues that extend beyond group dynamics need to be reported to the RYPEN coordinator
    • Assist your junior leader in facilitating all activities and group discussions as necessary
    • Accomplish any tasks that require leaving the group temporarily; the junior leader should remain with the group as much as possible
    • Maintain communication with the RYPEN coordinator
    • Key Roles: Mentor, Role Model, Learner, Leader.
  • Which volunteer leader role are you interested in?

  • Reflections & Considerations

  • In addition to the RYPEN conference itself, all volunteer leaders are asked to attend leader training. This time is used to come together as a team and prepare for the RYPEN conference. In the past the leader training has been held in person over the course of 2 days on a weekend leading up to the conference. However, leader attendance has been an area of concern and we are looking at ways to improve the training and increase the amount of leaders able to attend. Please select the options you feel confident you would be able to commit to.
  • Lastly, how did you hear about RYPEN?*
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