RYLA

This week our RYLA candidate Johnny Martin, commenced his week long convention at the Kinglake Wilderness Camp .

He was driven to a central destination at Wandong, the final pick -up point , to join the coach with the other RYLArians from the northern clubs together with the other southern club candidates.

They will be accommodated at the site with all meals and materials provided together with an excellent program of keynote speakers and activities to enhance their leadership skills, with an emphasis on personal development, public speaking, financial planning and many other aspects of coping with life today and into the future.

Selected past RYLArians are invited to participate in the week long program as supporters and play an integral role with the new people.

The program is coordinated by PP Linda Gidland from Diamond Creek Rotary Club and assisted by PP Mal Watt from Shepparton who is a trained counsellor, and PP Diana Mann from Bundoora Rotary.

Wednesday night is when a nominated Rotary club has a meeting at the site and is hosted by the new RYLArians. They do this as a project management exercise and the results are usually amazing.

36 young people between the ages of 18 and 30 come together, usually not knowing anyone else in the group. They often form very firm friendships and are often keen to help in following years.

Sunday is the culmination of their week and a de brief session is held before their lunch where the District Governor attends and gives a small presentation of certificates. Following lunch, a Rotarian from the club attends to transport the (usually very tired RYLArian) home. The conversations of their week long adventure usually inspire the person who is fortunate to be nominated for this role.

Johnny Martin will do a presentation to our club at a nominated time in the near future.

All club members are asked to keep in mind any people in our community in this age group who are demonstrating leadership skills, to consider nominating them for the 2013 course, usually held at the conclusion of Uni exams (end of November to early December) Cost per member this year to the sponsoring club is $1000. Applicants, their employers and family are asks to contribute towards this cost and the club then makes up the difference.

Applicants in genuine necessitous circumstances are always considered.