RYLA Lakelse delivers valuable lessons in leadership
Terrace, B.C. July 14, 2014 — Twenty-five grade 8-10 students from all over B.C. attended an all-expenses paid three-day Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp in Terrace on July 3-6.
Students participated in interactive sessions on effective communication, team building, decision making & ethics as well as activities that demonstrated Rotary’s six areas of focus including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.
In addition to learning more about what it means to be a great leader and practicing their leadership skills, the group raced dragon boats on Lakelse Lake, received training in survival and bush craft by Terrace Search and Rescue, and practiced “Random Acts of Kindness” in the community.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our future leaders to join together and have real conversations about decision making, ethics and how to build authentic relationships using active listening. No matter how big or small — we can all make a positive difference in our schools and communities,” stated Casda Thomas, Chair of RYLA Lakelse and member of the Rotary Club of Smithers.
RYLA Lakelse 2014 had students from Mackenzie, Quesnel, Vancouver, Burns Lake, Williams Lake, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Telkwa, Kitimat and four students from Terrace. Students are chosen based on their leadership potential and sponsored by their local Rotary Club that covers the $450 fee and travel costs for each student to attend.
In addition to RYLA Lakelse, there are two other RYLA conferences that take place for youth in the district. RYLA South for grade 10-12 students takes place every spring in Vancouver and RYLA North for young adults age 19-25 is held every fall in Prince George.
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