Sophie Heath - RYPEN

In The Chair: President Carmel
 
Members: 14
Guests:  Sophie Heath (Guest Speaker); Heidi Heath (Mother).       
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Sophie Heath – RYPEN
 
 
Sophie began by thanking the Leeton Rotary Club for providing the opportunity to attend the RYPEN Challenge 2024 at Borambola. It (the Rotary Youth Program and Enrichment) was a 3-day camp at the Sport and Rec Centre.
 
The camp was for students from all over NSW and the Canberra Area. They were advised that there were to be no phones so Sophie left hers at home (but she may have been the only one not to have snuck it in).  it was great without the phones.  They were able to interact and hang out without the phone distraction. She said, ‘we got to know people for who they are and not what is said on social media’.  They all swapped contact details at the end so they could keep in touch.  Sophie said that she met some lovely lifelong friends who she still often talks with.
 
At camp they were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people and engage in fun group activities.  Some of the activities included participating in the mud run, making a toilet as a collective group with their bodies and learning more about themselves and their impact on others.
 
Sophie said that the experience gave her more confidence and the strength to stand up for herself, to make decisions and improve her well-being.
 
Following the camp, she left St. Francis and went to Yanco Ag High School and is much happier with school and her place in her world.
 
Sophie particularly thanked Brian Munro, and the drivers – ‘the trip over was quiet because she didn’t know the two boys from Narrandera, but the trip back was even quieter’.
 
Sophie had fun and said she would highly recommend the experience. 
 
There were many questions and much discussion following her talk.  I am sure we were all impressed by Sophie, and the impact that the RYPEN program had on her outlook.
 
 
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The Brain Teaser
 

 
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Director’s Roundup
 
 
  • President Carmel: From the Board Meeting
    • A committee has been formed for the Rotunda Development.
    • A Committee has been formed to suss out new shirts.
    • The Sergeants session was discussed.  It is open to all nominated Sergeants to take the session where thaey want.  It doesn’t have to be a fines session. Just find creative ways to make money.
  • Treasurer Len
    • We have received 13 full subs plus 2 half payments.
  • Secretary Brian
    • Ball:  Next meeting is at the Soldiers Club for a meal followed by the Ball set up.
    • Ball: He also sent around a sheet to get volunteers for Thursday 10am; Friday 10am and Saturday 11.30am.
    • Stories of Resilience:  Don’t forget to register for Wednesday 7th August.
  • Graeme
    • Thanks to all who helped at the Art Deco markets. 
    • A special thank you to Geoff and Annette for the soup.  It went down very well, sold very well and got lots of favourable comments on Facebook.
  • Nicholas​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • A:  I do not have an answer.  I believe it to be 457: 7+10x(3x15)= 457 but could well be wrong.  Happy to discuss.
 
 
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Sergeants Session – Geoff Beecher
 
Geoff opted to go the traditional route and was particularly hard on the drug dealers and footy fans. He was so savage that he even fined himself for the errant sheep – and that seems above and beyond the call of duty.
 
Raffle was won by Andrew.
 
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Eloping
A father passing by his son’s bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to “Dad.” With a frightening premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.
 
Dear Dad:
     It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am.
     But it’s not only the passion…Dad she’s pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.
     In the meantime, we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.
     Don’t worry Dad, I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.
 
Love, Your Son John
 
PS – Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Tommy’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the awful report card that’s in my centre desk drawer.
 
I love you.
 
Call me when it’s safe to come home.
 
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