RYPEN camp 2013
from Laura Morie, District Youth Services Chair
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) finished on Sunday, run May 8 – 12 at Camp Warwa. 46 campers, Journey to the Core, a journey of self- discovery designed to empower youth and to enhance their self- esteem, self- image, confidence and develop coping strategies. This camp was also a huge success. The Camp and Program Chair is Kelsey Rabin, from Athabasca, Kelsey was a RYLA attendee and former Youth Exchange Student, most recently she is a member of the Whyte Avenue Rotary Club and will In addition to RYPEN chair be the Whyte Ave club’s Treasurer.. When our efforts in Youth Services go as hoped we will have more Kelsey’s. Kelsey organized and delivered this program with help from Lesa Mueller of Servus Credit Union and soon to be Rotarian, Mike Hanna of Riverview Rotary, and Mike Ryan of Edmonton West, this is Mike’s 10th RYPEN. In addition, Kelsey brought in campers from previous years as Counselors in training. Meaghan Dunford, Jordan Clark, Karley Leverenz, Kiana Davies, Jordynn Blasco, Jacob Marler, Yvone Joubert, Serenna Constable, Ben Bales, Taylor Rhodes (former YEX, 2006 - 2007). Presentations by ROTEX Coordinators, Liz Hulley and Lisa Grotowski were very powerful, and Laura Ritchie from Edmonton Downtown Rotaract, and Bashir Mohammed were so impactful. We can’t thank the Rotarians and their clubs enough for finding campers for this life changing experience.