RYLA Report on 27 September

Following the induction of new member  Wendy Bell to the Club, the guest speakers were introduced: Helena Flynn and Sam Carrett, both from St Leonards School, were sponsored by the club to attend the week long challenge at  Camp RYLA (Rotary Young Leadership Award) 2023 at Abernethy Camp in the Cairngorms. Helena and Sam gave a joint presentation, describing how the young people were organised into teams for different activities or challenges, including hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain-biking, raft building, gorge walking. Each group elected a team leader for each activity. Individuals were pushed out of their comfort zones, their ability to adapt in unfamiliar circumstances with unfamiliar people tested. They attended a series of presentations during the week on subjects including leadership skills, communication, understanding people’s strengths and weaknesses, overcoming fear with bravery and discipline. They described the week as ‘amazing’ and said how grateful they were for Rotary’s sponsorship. Asked would they go again if given the opportunity? -the answer, a resounding ‘yes’! The vote of thanks was given by Jack Daniels.