Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club works with Gordon High, Parel

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: LYN TILLEMANS; Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club RYLA Camp Review, by By Carry-on Bure
• Publication title: Bolander

These clubs serve as an introduction to Rotary for young people and encourage them to serve their local communities. We regularly send learners from each school to Rotary Youth Leadership camps (RYLA) and we were encouraged to receive the following report from Carry-on Bure, a Grade 10 pupil from Gordon High, about his recent enriching experience

Dear Heldeberg Rotary Sunrise Community, I am thrilled to share with you my enriching experience at the recent RYLA Camp, where I had the privilege of joining a diverse group of individuals.

From March 21 to March 24, we embarked on a transformative journey of growth, learning, and camaraderie that left an indelible mark on each of us.

Upon our arrival, the warmth of camaraderie enveloped us as we were greeted by our team leaders and initiated into the RYLA experience by handing in our electronic devices and receiving our RYLA-branded T-shirts and caps.

The excitement was tangible as we adorned ourselves in our new attire and captured moments through photographs, marking the beginning of our unforgettable journey.

As we settled into our accommodations, back-to-the-hall- interactions with fellow camp participants began, fostering connections that would blossom over the course of our time together.

The diversity of backgrounds and experiences among us laid the foundation for a dynamic and enriching exchange of perspectives.

The inaugural day of the camp unfolded with a series of captivating activities, meticulously crafted to cultivate connection and communication among us.

From the light-hearted sharing of facts about ourselves using a bowl of sweets to the insightful exploration of listening skills, each moment underscored the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Furthermore, we were immersed in the rich history of Rotary and the genesis of RYLA, grounding us in the ethos of service and community.

Throughout the subsequent days, each activity served as a crucible for invaluable lessons.

Whether we were learning a new song or surmounting physical challenges, the underlying themes of trust, perseverance, and creative problem-solving resonated deeply.

Games challenged us to communicate effectively without words, highlighting the potency of nonverbal cues and the power of collaboration.

One poignant highlight was the Obstacle Challenge, a crucible where our leadership skills were put to the test.

Through collective collaboration and...