GIRL'S RYLA CAMP 2013
Posted by Ronnie Wright
This year’s camp was from July 20 through July 26, 2013. Ninety-six high school juniors from all over District 5520 attended camp; eighteen of whom were sponsored by the Las Cruces clubs. On July 19, 2013, RYLA Girl’s Camp Director, Claudia Jeffrey, nine counselors and nine junior counselors arrived at the Manzano Retreat to prepare for the arrival of the campers the following day.
Counselors bring fans, a card table and chair, an ice chest, craft supplies their bedding and suitcases, extension cords, surge protectors, outdoor chairs, duct tape, alarm clocks and lamps. Each of the nine cabins housed between ten and thirteen campers and two counselors.
The counselors and junior counselors volunteer their time for the week-long camp. It is a rewarding experience for all. Junior counselors are former RYLA campers, who assist the counselors with the daily activities.
The grounds at Manzano Retreat provide cabins, guest houses, a cafeteria, activity room, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and a gymnasium, a lake and lots of open areas. It is truly a beautiful location. Thunder storms are frequent in July. Three outdoor activities had to be moved inside at the last minute because of lightning warnings.
You may be wondering what happens at RYLA camp, and even more surprised at the answers. Each day begins the same. Counselors rise between 5:00 and 5:30 for a 6:30 meeting. Junior counselors wake up the campers at 6:00. The flag ceremony is at 7:00. (After the flag is raised and the Pledge of Allegiance is said, the girls from each cabin perform a yell.) Exercise begins at 7:15, and breakfast is at 7:30.
During the hours of 8:30 until 6:00, activities kept everyone busy. Classes for Public Speaking, Interviews and Resumes, Leadership Skills and Social Media were conducted by various Counselors. Craft projects were also taught by a counselor. High Ropes, Zip Line and Low Ropes were provided by Manzano Retreat trained personnel. Lunch was served at 12:00 every day.
There were also eight speaker presentations; Mark Glenn, Sonny Brown, Dick Jones, Debra Simon, Maria Dominguez, Carl Brown, Sunny Yates and Kit Turpin, District 5520 Governor. Each speaker donated their time to present topics of various subjects.
Several other projects took place throughout the week. Each day ends the same at camp. Each camper is assigned to a committee, which meets at 7:00 each evening. Lights out at 10:00. (On the first night, at least!)
From my experiences as a Counselor in 2010, 2011 and 2013, I can say that I would not have missed this opportunity. Working with people committed to this program provides unity in purpose. Watching the girls begin the week as strangers and finishing the week as true friends is a wonder to behold. Seeing each girl’s confidence, teamwork and leadership skills grow a bit each day; knowing each one will take what they have learned about Rotary and the 4-Way Test back to their home and community; and helping them to always go forward and never give up makes RYLA week every July one of my favorite times of the year.
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