Today’s meeting featured Kolten, Jasmine and Nathaly (who was unable to attend but sent her thoughts with Viviana), DHS incoming seniors that attended RYLA this summer. Through counselors, Viviana, an ESL (English as Second Language) Instructor at DHS and a MEFIYI mentor, and, Rotarians Jim Hales and Dave Rich, they heard about the RYLA program in their junior year. They all expressed that RYLA was a life-changing experience. There was a lot of team building exercises such as rope walking, kayaking and hiking in the surrounding woods. They all were encouraged to journal their experiences and to set goals. Kolten saw the benefits of small changes that lead to increased improvements. Jasmine said that after the Camp she was much more self-confident. Nathaly also expressed that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
All three stressed the importance of communicating with their peers and families. Kolten became more emotionally aware; it’s okay to have feelings. Jasmine said that the Camp helped her with her mental health as well. She showed us that she keeps in touch with her RYLA Team through the Discord App (similar to WhatsApp). Nathaly said that the Camp showed her to have faith and trust in herself. All three said that they will talk up RYLA at school and be there to answer any questions on the next group of RYLA Campers.
Excerpts from a letter to Jim Hales from Nathaly’s mother. I am Nathaly's mother. I would like to personally thank Rotary for the kindness shown to my daughter Nathaly and other colleagues. [RYLA] helped a lot in my daughter's personal and humanitarian life, I can tell you that my daughter left the room crying. My daughter would live it again if she could and that she can recommend it so that others live it. After it ended and she was back to the home, she had commented on a large part of what she had experienced and that there were activities that she had never carried out in her life and for this reason she enjoyed them to the full. I appreciate the attention to this message which expressed my gratitude and on behalf of Nathaly's father, my sister, my brother-in-law and myself thank you for the support for my daughter to live this beautiful experience. A thousand thanks and infinite blessings. I send a big hug to all of you.
NEXT WEEK'S SPEAKER
DG Stacy Graham
Area 5190 District Governor Stacy Graham will talk about her vision for the 23/24 Rotary year.
Kolten & Jasmine
Semi Annual Dues Due
Invoices have been sent out for the semi-annual Club dues ($163). Your dues includes membership to Rotary International, District 5190, Minden Rotary Club and a subscription to Rotarian Magazine. Starting this year, dues also includes Recognition costs (formerly Friendly Fines). If you have any questions see Prez Marsha or Treasurer Pam.
Reminder..... there will be a Minden Rotary Board meeting before the 8/24 Regular meetingAdd text here
All the lights are out & RYLA kids have candles. As Kolten said: Kindness spreads like a Fire
Questions or Suggestions for the Newsletter? Contact your Editors - Milly Seibel and Lori Breyer
Kari Stack, EPIC* Coach at DHS
gave us an update on the INTERACT Club. The Interact Club meets every other Wednesday during the 30 minute lunch period. She invited all of us to come to the meetings and share with the students life advice. She will have a booth at the Freshmen Orientation this week and hopes to attract students to join Interact. Her goal is to increase membership and encouraged the RYLA Alums to come to Interact and tell of their time at RYLA and the benefits of being an Interactor. You become involved in your community and the community engagement feels good and looks good on a college application.
*EPIC is a program where Kari is a Coach for Teachers. It's a Teacher to Teacher instructional framework where Kari works with teachers on the Douglas County School District adopted framework .
HAPPY BUCKS !!!!
Ginger was "killing" time between meetings last week when she found a new slot game at the COD. Well... she killed it on that slot and struck it rich!
Ken told about his vacation to Twisp WA in the Northern Cascade mountains. The streams were too low to fish but it was the most fun he's had with his 14 year old grandson.
Skip scored at the St. Gall Rummage sale by picking up old furniture, taking it apart, and salvaging the exotic hardwoods for his future woodworking projects.
Guests JoJo & Susie Townsell
Prez Marsha told the Club of the great MEFIYI fundraiser that our Club Foundation supported on 8/11. It was great to see all of the MEFIYI students volunteering at the Steak & Crab night. The fundraiser raised funds for local youth groups and appeared to be a huge success.
CREATE HOPE FOR MAUI
Through our Rotary District 5000 Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization), a relief fund has been established. Monies will be used to fund the largest impact based on needs and will be sustainable. Please consider donating to this special fund at the link below:
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