Information for Guardians

Information for Families & Communities

A supportive space for learning and connection.

Sending your student to camp is a big deal — especially for a week away from home. Whether your child has been going to sleepaway camp for years or this is their very first experience, we want you to feel confident that they’re in good hands at RYLA.

Safety & Supervision

The safety and well-being of every camper is our top priority.

  • RYLA is staffed entirely by background-checked volunteers, many of whom are RYLA alumni and return year after year.
  • Our staff is present and accessible throughout the day and night.
  • A registered nurse is on-site with us throughout the week and is on-call 24/7.
  • All activities are supervised and take place in secure spaces on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

RYLA is designed to be supportive, inclusive, and empowering. Whether a camper needs a quiet moment or help through a tough one, we’re here for them.

Dorm Life

Campers stay in suite-style dorms (typically in Evergreen Hall or Heritage Hall)on the UMN Crookston campus. Each suite features:

  • Two bedrooms, with two people per room (4 people in each suite)
  • A shared living room
  • One or two private bathrooms per suite

UMN Crookston has been ranked the #1 Best College Dorms in Minnesota — and it shows. It’s a comfortable, secure space where students can rest, connect, and recharge.

Don’t forget: Campers should bring bedding for a Twin XL bed (sheets and blanket or sleeping bag), a pillow, towels, toiletries, and shower sandals.

Meals

All meals are served in the Brown Dining Hall on campus. Throughout the week, campers enjoy a wide variety of options.

We work directly with the UMN Crookston dining team to accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies. Please be sure to note any dietary needs when submitting your camper’s application.

Communication During Camp

Campers can bring and use their phones, though we encourage limited use during group programming so they can stay present and engaged.

You’ll receive detailed contact information for the on-site RYLA leadership team before camp begins. In the event of an emergency or urgent need, you will always have a way to reach your student through the leadership team.

Packing and Preparing

We’ve created a full Preparing for Camp page with everything your camper needs to know— including a downloadable packing list, tips for settling in, and reminders about arrival and departure.

Quick highlights:

  • Pack for both indoor sessions and some outdoor activities
  • Include layers — some rooms are chilly, some days are hot
  • Bring basic dorm essentials (shower gear, bedding, etc.)

What Campers Will Experience

RYLA is a full, immersive week of:

  • Leadership development
  • Communication skills workshops
  • Team-building and small group bonding
  • Outdoor and indoor activities
  • Service learning
  • Reflection, campfires, and fun

Our goal is for your camper to leave RYLA more confident, more connected, and more inspired than when they arrived.

Contact Us

Have a question before camp starts? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the RYLA Team:

📧 ryla5580@gmail.com
📞 (218) 409-6434 — Emergency Contact During Camp