2012 RYLA Chairman Shelly Dansie (Cedar City Rotary Club) reports: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) was held this year September 19-22 at the beautiful Heber Valley Camp. We had around 130 participants and 40 staff attending the annual event. Rotary Clubs chose their participants from their local high schools. RYLA is open to sophomores and juniors. Many Rotary Clubs have functioning Interact Clubs and select the leadership from that club. RYLA is an unprecedented event in District 5420. It gives the students and the Team Leaders (Rotarians) an opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime. I recently received a thank you letter from one of the participants. He commented “RYLA was one of my most memorable and life changing experiences."
This year each of the clubs assisted with the transportation of the students. A big thank you to all who helped with this endeavor. This will help RYLA grow in the future. As the students arrived, the Alumni (past participants) involved the students in getting-to-know-you games and fun. On Thursday we had the opportunity to have several speakers. Jeff Dansie taught the students about how to listen for the principles they would be taught over the couple of days and how to incorporate them in their lives. Guest speaker, Sam Bracken, taught the students how to overcome difficulties and triumph. Larry Chatterton taught the students some amazing memory skills and communication skills. Mike Wells (Youth Services Chairman) coordinated a cultural walk to help students understand even though they are each very unique, they also have many things in common. This is one of the most memorable events at RYLA.
On Friday, we had the opportunity to listen to Amanda Dickson from KSL. She taught an impactful message about living in the moment and making the most of it. Our day was filled with team activities and several classes about Interact and Rotary. We taught the students how to start an Interact Club, conduct activities and retain their membership. RYLA is an important event for the students to get excited about Interact and making a difference in their community and the world.
Saturday, the final day concluded with the very popular speaker Chad Hymas. He gave us inspiration to make a difference in the world. Our days are long at RYLA, but on the final day no one wants to go home.
As the 2012 RYLA Chairman, I am soliciting one member from each club to attend RYLA next year. We need your help in this important event and it will be an event you will cherish. RYLA 2013 will be held Sept. 11-14. We hope to see you there.
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