RYLA in Action

At New Malden Rotary's meeting on 2nd September we were treated to a first hand acount from our sponsored student who took part in the leadership course at High Ashurst Activity Centre in Dorking to achieve the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.  

Ellen Constable, a student in year 12 at Holy Cross School, spoke of her trepidation prior to embarking on the five day course with groups of total strangers in a challenging environment and of her subsequent growth in confidence and experience as she worked through the challenging activities. 

She explained how she took part in the physical challenges of the programme, rock climbing, raft-building-building and much more.  At the same time she was experiencing ways of problem-solving both for herself and for the group within which she was working.  

The course is designed to enable young people to have exposure to leadership scenarios, to allow them to explore problem solving startegies as part of a team and to build confidence.  Ellen summarised her feelings clearly, explaining that by immersing herself in the course, it became a memorable experience.  She seemed to have surpised herself, not only by the growth in her own confidence, but also by finding that the experience of working with a group of starngers and experiencing the same challenges turned those strangers into close friends.  A clear indication of the value of the course.  

We were impressed by Ellen's excellent presentation to us, but even more so by the obvious benefits which she demonstrably gained from her experience.  Over the next few months we'll be seeking candidates for future years.  For more information on the scheme go to RYLA or to apply for the 2025 programme use our Contact link above.