RAYEC

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RAYEC

RAYEC is a week-long August camp for youth ages 13- 15 interested in business and entrepreneurship. The main focus of this camp is to educate youth about marketing, advertising, preparing a cash-flow statement and writing a business plan. Campers set up their own businesses and borrow real money from actual bankers. The last day is “Business Day” at the camp, when campers open and operate their businesses. The youth also participate in many fun recreational activities throughout their week at camp.

Diversity Students

Experience

RAYEC accepts 60 youths aged 13-15 each year based on their applications. This camp is FREE to attend for the campers that are selected, thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors. There is also an opportunity for ten previous campers to attend as Youth Leaders. For more information on becoming a camper or youth leader, apply below.

Rock Climbing Indoors

Possibilities

RAYEC campers and youth leaders must live in the Rotary District 5360 region.  This region extends south from Lacombe to the Alberta border and includes South West Saskatchewan.

You can also check out this webinar recording.  The 2019 Youth Leaders talk about what it's like to go to RAYEC from an insiders point of view.

Apply Today

Dates

RAYEC takes place in early August. Applications are accepted from February to May 15. It is not first come, first served. Campers will be notified either way by June 15.

Campers

RAYEC accepts 60 youths age 13-15 each year based on their applications. This camp is FREE for the campers that are selected, thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors! 

Camper Application

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
 
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
 
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong. In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.
Youth Leaders
Each year, 10 past Campers between the ages of 16 and 18 have the chance to attend  training sessions prior to camp and return to camp as volunteers called Youth Leaders. These young adults have gone on to further develop their leadership skills, with many volunteering in their local communities, attending leadership conferences, and even returning to the camp as adult volunteers!
 
As a Youth Leader, you will assist the Campers with their business teams and help lead the recreation activities. Additionally, as part of your commitment to being a RAYEC Youth Leader, you will attend 3-4 virtual training sessions hosted by RAYEC in the months leading up to camp (Dates TBD). You will also commit to two days of in-person training, arriving in Medicine Hat the Friday before camp starts. Camp will begin on Sunday, August 10th, and the in-person training will take place on the Friday and Saturday prior to the start of camp. 
 
To apply for the Youth Leader position, applications will be submitted in an essay format.
Stay tuned for more updates on when the application process opens!
 
Youth Leadership Application
Volunteers are Integral
The best part of RAYEC are the volunteers!  Volunteers spend the week with the youth in various capacities, please see full position descriptions and skills required here. To volunteer, applicants must be 18 years or older, have some experience with leadership, and fulfill the Rotary District 5360 volunteer requirements.  This includes a police record check, providing references and completing the youth protection awareness course (online).
Volunteer
Sponsorship

Sponsor

RAYEC would not be possible without our amazing sponsors. Thanks to our Community Futures partners, Rotary District 5360 Clubs and local sponsors for their continued support and contributions! Scroll down to see the full list. Follow the links below if you would like to become a sponsor.

Donate

RAYEC is pleased to accept donations of various amounts towards our special initiatives

Scroll down to donate!

Sponsor Information

2025 SPONSORS

Community Futures
Partner Offices​

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Alberta Southwest
Central Alberta
Centre West
Chinook
Crowsnest Pass
East Parkland
Entre-Corp
Highwood
Meridian
 

Rotary Clubs

​Okotoks

Calgary Heritage Park

Medicine Hat Sunrise

Calgary West

Canmore

Lethbridge (Downtown)

Calgary East

Calgary Fish Creek

 

Additional Sponsors

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Medicine Hat College

Bedside Business Plan

Community Futures Big Country

Prime Boiler

Avail Chartered Professionals

RAYEC Contact Information

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sonja Mellema (Camp Manager) at rayec@rotary5360.ca or reach out to Katie Richard (Camp Coordinator) at rayeccoord@rotary5360.ca