Cell Phone Use Policies

Photos and Videos are valuable ways to chronicle and celebrate the RYLA experience. The promotional value and the ability to demonstrate and remember such an important and impactful event are allowed provided that all people attending RYLA understand and follow the same set of rules and protocol. At the same time the diverse temptations of being distracted by phone use is disruptive and not in the best interest of the student.

RYLA provides professional photographers to take photos of all students and activities during the 4 days of RYLA.

To avoid misunderstandings, all students are highly encouraged to bring a camera that is not a phone. Cell phones will be stored with cabin counselors once the student has arrived at RYLA and not taken out until the students have left RYLA.

Phone calls or texting to parents can be made in emergencies only. Permission must be gained from the student’s cabin counselor or administrator in the command center before placing a call or returning a text. The staff member is to monitor the call, or text, to ensure the use is legitimate and excessive time is not spent.