Late in the summer for the past few years there has been an article in this section about the “RYLA kids” returning from camp.  They report to the club that the experience has changed their lives and there are often tears of joy.  What is this all about?
 
Dana Mackison who has been with the program since its inception twenty-five years ago came to the club to explain what goes on at the camps.  RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Award.  It is an award or scholarship presented to high school juniors by local Rotary clubs so they can go to the one week camp. 
 
For the students in our District 5810, the camp is held at the Salvation Army camp near Midlothian.  It is also known as
Camp Hoblitzelle.  Students arrive early Monday morning and are immediately surrounded by activity and noise.  It only gets more active and loud as the week goes on.
 
The purposes of the camp are to give the campers tools of leadership, help them step out of their comfort zones and send them back to make a difference.  Each day has a topic:
  • Day 1 - the concept of personal development
  • Day 2 - personal responsibility beyond ethics to mentoring and helping
  • Day 3 – leadership styles; the servant leader; resource uses
  • Day 4 – community
  • Day 5 – what are the takeaways and what should the campers do with them.
OK, this is a camp for teenagers so there are plenty of activities and music.  The mornings are about discussions and instruction.  Team sports, karaoke in the evenings and committees to keep everyone busy are provided.  Everyone is on a committee and has responsibilities in addition to the camp goals.  They are asked how they intend to make a difference and by Friday they are all ready to make a difference somewhere in their community.
 
Since the program began in 1990 there have been 5,000 campers.  Each year there are about 185 campers, a staff of 80 and twelve facilitators or speakers.  Each year many of the prior year’s campers want to return as assistant counselors and about twenty are accepted.
 
Interviews and applications are taken in February and March for the following summer.  Juniors in Waxahachie high schools may apply for the local award and students in other cities can apply through their Rotary clubs.  For more information visit the District’s web site at www.RYLA5810.com .  The 5810 camp is recognized as one of the best in the country and is worthwhile for any student wanting to excel in life.
 
For more information about the Rotary Club of Waxahachie where we believe in Service Above Self and doing things as a club we cannot do alone, visit the club web site at www.waxahachierotary.org .  You can find American flag subscription and bike ride forms on the web site.
 
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