Young Leader Shine at the recent Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) camp in SW Victoria
Jasmine Bull and Callum Zanker loved the five day 2019 RYLA camp at Kangaroobie, as did about 30 other young people from around our district. "The best thing I've ever done" were their comments.
RYLA is a leadership and personal development program for young people aged 18-25 years, and is well regarded both in Rotary circles and the wider community. Every country has their version of this Rotary program….. and the District 9780 format is considered one of the best.
Highly experienced co-leaders of the camp are our very own ex-RYLArians and ex-Warracknabeal residents, Johanna Parker(deVries) and Tristan Knoop. This year, as host club, we also provided the camp Mum and Dad. The RYLArians gave rave reviews of Rob and Pam deVries in this very important role. Well done and thank you to Rob and Pam.
Over 100 people attended the RYLA evening, including DG Anthony Ohlsen, 11 from our club, Rotaractor, Lainee Heeps, and Rotarians from various clubs around the district. The RC Cobden, in particular, were well represented as they take on a huge organisational role every year, supporting the participants with so much dedication and passion.
Our President Chris Hewitt, welcomed all to the night, congratulated the leaders, the organisers, and the RYLA ‘graduates’. Our Youth Director, John Aitken, spoke of the value of the RYLA program as it’s role in providing the inspiration and tools to take young people out of their comfort zone, on a path to realise their self worth and potential.
Johanna and Tristan congratulated the RYLarians for their courage, honesty, love and support for each other throughout the week. After starting as strangers, these young people now have made many life long friends and have a vision for their future.  This is one of the best things that Rotary does.