RYLA

Posted by Pam Arnsberger on Jul 14, 2016
 
 
Announcements and Reminders
 
Tim Powell, Rotarian of the Week, announced that the 4th of July event was a success.
 
Doug Deaver announced that we are non-debunking Al on Thursday night Aug 11th. It is at the yacht club and is $35 per person. See Doug to sign up.
 
Richard said our next beach cleanup is on Sept 17th.
 
        Jerry Pettibone the incoming governor and John Fisher brought RYLA  (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) to our club in 1983-1984. RYLA started in Camp Harmon and now it is in Mission Springs.  Today Sandra introduced our RYLA recipients (pictured above with her) . They are both from Soquel High and involved in Interact.  Alyssa and Hyunkyung will be president and vice president of the club. They did a powerpoint narrated presentation about their time at RYLA camp.
              
 
 
 
                They spoke about their expectations on coming to Mission Springs, which were low. On getting there all participants joined a sisterhood or brotherhood which then made up a family. Theirs was called the Royals and was the smallest family.  Each day they had different workshops and at night they had discussions about what happened.
                They tried to capture the memorable moments at camp. In the various workshops, were the entertainment group who did Tuesday night live. The sports workshop did the RYLA Cup Olympic games.  The band and choir workshop did music. Speech and debate discussed controversial topics.  Health and wellness did mental, physical health and wellness activities. There were also three service projects, including making care packages for the homeless as well as one with school supplies. 
                They also rotated through learning modules including leadership styles, network and net worth, social justice, building relationships, time management and ethics.  They spoke about the very creative activities and scenarios that were used to learn about each of these skills. 
                Fun activities included Sunday night live as performed by the counselors, hands on drumming, affirmations, serenades before meals, the RYLA cup as well as a barbecue with Rotary members and a dance.  They both agreed that it was a life changing experience for them as well as all the attendees.
                Leo Ortiz (pictured above with President Al and Doug Deaver) also spoke to us, as a scholarship recipient  from El Salvador.  He has a 4.0 average and played soccer. He has a scholarship for a small college in the southern California where he will study international business.