The Prince Albert Rotary Club met this week and were treated by a great presentation by this years RYLA students. Pictured below (from left to right) are club president Nnamdi Ndubuka, youth services director Bob Twyver, RYLA student Sarah Szell, RYLA student Henry Lee, RYLA student Jana Morash, RYLA student Amara Billo and Rotarian Bill Tomyn.
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This years group of four very deserving young individuals each presented their experiences at RYLA camp in Clear Lake Manitoba. The intent of the RYLA camp is to teach young people leadership skills in a safe and judgment free environment.
Amara Billo (grand daughter of Rotarian Arsene Billo) spoke first. Amara was in her second year at the camp and was very impressed that the camp counsellors remembered her from last year. She particularly enjoyed time around the campfire where she was able to meet new friends from different towns and provinces. Amara also shared some of her terrific artwork with the club.
Jana Morash (daughter of President Elect John Morash) presented next. She didn't have any pictures to share as she put away her phone and focused on enjoying the experience. She decribed the camp as "amazing" and "better than expected". Jana was particularly impressed with the leadership learning and how the camp was all about acceptance and non-judgement. Truly an experience she won't forget!
Henry Lee presented third and had a very nice slideshow presentation of all of the photos she took at camp. She was very thankful to everyone involved with the RYLA camp experience. Henry spoke of many of the firsts she experienced including her first extended time at camp away from her parents, first kayak trip and first bee sting. She very much enjoyed the sharing circles and learning about the other camper's personal stories.
Our final presenter was Sarah Szell who was on her 3rd and final trip to RYLA camp. She presented a slideshow and a passionate speech about the value of her RYLA experience. The opportunity she had to meet new people and to feel accepted and included made for a very positive experience. Sarah described her time with RYLA as "life changing" and enthusiastically thanked the Rotary members for the opportunity to attend this camp.
Bob Twyver concluded the presentation by presenting each student with a "Thank you Polio Plus Donation certificate" and a Rotary pen.