The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts around the globe. Young people identified as having leadership potential are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event, which allows them to test their skills through team building, problem-solving and individual self-growth exercises.
In May and September of this year, a total of twelve learners sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hoedspruit headed off for a long weekend of fun and fellowship at the Warriors Camp in Magoebaskloof. Coming from Phendulane School, Acornhoek, Lehlasedi High School, Bushbuckridge, Lowveld Academy and Southern Cross Schools, they joined around 100 other young people from all over South Africa for the leadership camp. This gave them the opportunity to develop skills as a leader, have lots of fun, and also to make new friends across diverse cultures and languages.
These can be life-changing weekends for the participants and our sponsored learners described their experience of the weekend in their own words:
“I thank Hoedspruit Rotary for investing their time and money in me and allowing me to experience one of my most memorable weekends ever. The many activities, the insightful lectures and even the socializing was so much fun.”
“So much anticipation had built up since I heard that I had been selected to attend the RYLA Leadership Camp – it finally arrived! I was excited, the air was cold, and I saw a line of tents, a big field and a boma.”
“My experience on the RYLA Leadership Camp was far greater than I thought it would ever be”
“We experienced some daring activities like a pitch-black underground maze, a 30m tree climb, a night hike and more. We also had the freedom to participate in group discussions that really benefitted me.”
“Through these experiences, I took home some amazing skills that I am sure to use in my future of leading. “
“This camp is such a valuable opportunity that everyone should experience it.”
The Rotary Club of Hoedspruit is now looking forward to planning yet more adventures for prospective young leaders in 2023!
