2023-24 RYLA Hawaii Camp Code of Conduct

Download the Code of Conduct & Parent Release Form

The RYLA Program staff wishes to provide a safe and secure setting for all those who participate in this program. 

Participants are expected to attend the full program, and if, for any reason, you know that you cannot do this, please do not apply for participation. Requests to not take part in any program activity or to leave before the end of the program will only be considered by the program staff for an exceptional basis, i.e., family emergency, injury, illness, physical limitation, etc. 

If it becomes necessary for you to leave the program because of such circumstances, your parents will be notified. Only parents or guardians may give such permission to leave the program. Any participant who leaves the program early will not be permitted to return and will not receive a Certificate of Completion. Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may be asked by the program staff to leave the camp.

Camp Conduct

Exercising good judgment will prevent occurrences that are not in the best interest of students at RYLA. Curfew violation, failure to participate in the activities of the weekend, unauthorized use of vehicles, inviting non-delegates to visit, and disturbing the peace are examples of disruptive activities. The RYLA Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine what penalties are imposed for disruptive activities and violations of the Code of Conduct. Students are expected to have respect for public and private property, respect the privacy needs and personalities of others, have respect for the facilitators, speakers, and staff, and be on time to all scheduled activities.

As a participant, I understand that:

1. I have made a commitment to attend the RYLA conference and will notify the sponsoring Rotary Club immediately if a conflict arises.

2. I may not arrive late, or leave RYLA earlier than scheduled, and I MUST USE the RYLA supplied transportation, unless otherwise expressed prior to camp.

3. I will attend all meetings and activities with my discussion group, referred to at RYLA as a “ohana.”

4. I will sleep in my assigned dorm and observe lights out/quiet time.

5. There are separate dorms for males and females. Males are not allowed in female dorms, and vice-versa. This is for the privacy and security of all concerned.

6. Use of personal electronics, including phones, are permitted only during scheduled breaks/free time. Uses at other times will result in devices being confiscated and returned at the end of the conference.

7. The RYLA schedule is planned to the minute. Breaks, free time, recreational activities are limited to those reflected in the schedule.

8. If any person is injured or becomes ill, I WILL NOT MOVE THEM. I will contact the Camp Doctor or a member of the RYLA Committee immediately for assistance.

9. I will report any damage or breakage immediately to a facilitator, a dorm monitor, the RYLA Committee or the camp staff (All participants are responsible for taking care of the facilities).

10. SMOKING IS PROHIBITED (including e-cigarettes).

11. ALL MEDICATIONS, whether prescribed or “over the counter," must be identified on the container. Unidentified medications, alcohol, weapons, or tobacco products found in the possession of any student will be confiscated.

12. Foul or abusive language (including anything of a discriminatory nature) will not be tolerated nor will physical violence or threats of any kind be allowed. If I observe such behavior, I will contact a facilitator, a dorm monitor, the RYLA Committee or the camp staff immediately.

13. Any sexual or lewd behavior is unacceptable.

14. I may not leave the camp area for any reason without the permission of the RYLA Camp Chair.

15. Confidentiality is important. Anything shared by a member of my ohana will remain private, with certain legally mandated exceptions, such as self-harm risk and reports of abuse, which will be reported by RYLA officials to the proper authorities.

16. I will respect the environment of the camp and surrounding area and will do all in my ability to protect it for future generations.

17. I am to conduct myself in all sessions, in all activities, in my ohana, in the dining hall, in sports, and in my dorm, in a manner that will bring credit to myself, my school, my sponsoring Rotary Club and my personal family, and in a manner that will not cause injury to another person.

Virtual Conduct

Although our environment may have a virtual (online) aspect, the standards of behavior are as important as if we were to meet in person. In other words, our virtual meeting space is with real people; therefore, appropriate behavior is expected. To ensure that all participants understand how to behave in an online environment, we have developed a code of conduct for virtual participation that are required to follow.

• Participants are encouraged to find a quiet space where they will not be distracted from learning and participating. Items that reveal personal information should be moved out of camera range. 

• Whenever possible, participants should turn on their cameras. If/when this is not possible, a self-photo, or “selfie,” should be used, so that they are easily recognizable to others. 

• Self-photos, or “selfie,” and video feed backgrounds must be appropriate for an educational environment. RYLA Administrators reserve the right to determine if a profile picture and/or video feed background is inappropriate. Participants using an inappropriate profile picture or video feed background will be required to update their settings immediately.

• Appropriate clothing must always be worn.

• Participants are not to use obscene, profane, threatening, or disrespectful language or images in any communications.

• All communications with other participants in any forum, camp related email, discussion post, etc., must be polite, courteous and respectful.

• Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited. 

• Participants are prohibited from sharing or posting videos (synchronous and/or asynchronous), pictures, or other participant’s work on social media, gaming networks, or elsewhere online unless permission is expressed.

• Smoking or any use of tobacco products is prohibited. 

• Participants must attend all program events at specified times, unless excused by program staff. 

• The use of cell phones will not be permitted during the program except during break periods as designated by the staff. 

• Be safe and never give sensitive personal information online, like your user ID or password

• For any in-person activities, all participants will follow federal, state, and local guidelines to ensure safety, including wearing a mask or face covering, physically distancing, and limiting the number of participants in group gatherings.

I have read the Code of Conduct and do hereby agree and commit to honoring its provisions. SHOULD MY CONDUCT BE CONSIDERED UNACCEPTABLE AT ANY TIME, AT THE DISCRETION OF CAMP OFFICIALS, OR SHOULD I TRANSGRESS ANY OF THE CODES STATED ABOVE, I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE CAMP AND WILL BE SENT HOME AT MY PARENTS’ OR GUARDIANS’ EXPENSE.

As a condition of my participation in the RYLA Camp and by my signature below, I agree to be bound by the terms of the Code of Conducrt. I AGREE TO MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE CAMP DATES AND TO OBEY ALL CAMP RULES.

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Print Name

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Signature

Please print and sign this form and return to info@rylahawaii.org.