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 of the greater Waikato from Thames to Te Kuiti. Companies and individuals may also 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 Waikato 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 will be held on 9th, 10th and 11th May
at Lakewood Lodge at Glen Murray.
at Lakewood Lodge at Glen Murray.
Here is what happens:
LAKEWOOD LODGE
TIMETABLE FOR 2 DAYS,2 NIGHTS
TIMETABLE FOR 2 DAYS,2 NIGHTS
Day 1.
5.30-6.00pm Arrive at Lakewood Lodge.
6.30 Orientation
6.45 Dinner & dessert
8.00 Getting to Know you Games in Hall followed by Firepit with toasted marshmallows
10.00 Bed
Day 2.
8.00 Breakfast
8.20 Animal Feeding then start concert rehearsals
9.00 Activities x 4 groups-Rotate around Horse Games, Climbing Wall, Low Ropes, Kayaking, Archery, Flying Fox.
10.30 Morning Tea
11.00 Activities continued
12.30 Lunch
1.15 Activities continued.
2.45 Afternoon Tea
3.15 Rotary Student Session
4.30 Free choice time-J-Ball Competition, Waterslide, Pool &Table Tennis Competition, Animal Feeding.
5.30 Final Concert Rehearsals
6.00 Dinner & Dessert
7.00 Concert
8.15 Spotlight
10.00 Bed
5.30-6.00pm Arrive at Lakewood Lodge.
6.30 Orientation
6.45 Dinner & dessert
8.00 Getting to Know you Games in Hall followed by Firepit with toasted marshmallows
10.00 Bed
Day 2.
8.00 Breakfast
8.20 Animal Feeding then start concert rehearsals
9.00 Activities x 4 groups-Rotate around Horse Games, Climbing Wall, Low Ropes, Kayaking, Archery, Flying Fox.
10.30 Morning Tea
11.00 Activities continued
12.30 Lunch
1.15 Activities continued.
2.45 Afternoon Tea
3.15 Rotary Student Session
4.30 Free choice time-J-Ball Competition, Waterslide, Pool &Table Tennis Competition, Animal Feeding.
5.30 Final Concert Rehearsals
6.00 Dinner & Dessert
7.00 Concert
8.15 Spotlight
10.00 Bed
Day 3.
8.00 Breakfast
8.30 Pack up
9.00 Activities x 4 groups – Rotate around : Flying Fox, Kayaking, Archery, Horse Games, Low ropes, Climbing Wall
10.20 Morning Tea
10.40 Activities continue
12.00 Lunch
12.40 Activities continued
2.00 Leave
8.00 Breakfast
8.30 Pack up
9.00 Activities x 4 groups – Rotate around : Flying Fox, Kayaking, Archery, Horse Games, Low ropes, Climbing Wall
10.20 Morning Tea
10.40 Activities continue
12.00 Lunch
12.40 Activities continued
2.00 Leave