RYLA representatives guest speakers at Monday Rotary meeting

Perry Rotary Club hosted their weekly meeting Monday, Sept. 12 at Perry Country and Golf Club at noon.

President Tracy Scherman led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance and the first verse of America the Beautiful.

While there were no student Rotarians present, it was commented there were several activities happening throughout the week, including but not limited to, the annual fall free fair and livestock showings, the 16th celebration, the street dance set to take place Friday night, and more.

Following the Great Rotarian News (GRN), Scherman opened the floor for Program Chair Marvin Dement to introduce Rotary Club guest speakers and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) representatives, Jeff Gabelsberg and Brenna Meritt.

Gabelsberg began, explaining what RYLA is before leading into what RYLA offers to youth.

He comments RYLA is an ‘...intensive training/ experimental program for high school students’. These students are chosen for either their proven or potential leadership abilities.

The RYLA retreat camp is all-expenses paid and is run by Rotary members and RYLA Alumni.

Gabelsberg then went into explaining how they had to adjust in 2020 with the pandemic.

He explained the curriculum was switched from a full in-person camp to an online version.

“I was nervous,” he explained, “That it wouldn’t work but I was pleasantly surprised when the outcome was great. So good, in fact, we utilized an online camp for 2021 as well.”

The core curriculum includes ‘...exploring strengths and values in yourself and others, developing communication skills, building strong teams and collaborating, successfully navigating pressure and ambiguity, building self-confidence and self-esteem, solving problems and managing conflict, and developing a focus on Community and Global Citizenship.’ Gabelsberg and Meritt handed out information for this year’s retreat.

This year’s retreat will incorporate both inperson camp and online camp.

Applications are due this week and camp

Please see Rotary on page 12 will take place Oct. 10-12 for online, Oct. 13 off, and Oct. 14-16 for in-person at the campsite.

Applications can be found at https://students. leadernu.com/campryla/.

Completed applications will be sent directly to club chairs, who will then select campers.

Sponsored students will be sent an acceptance letter and more information on getting registered.

Brenna Meritt followed, introducing herself and discussing her role in the RYLA program. She explains she was once a student involved in the RYLA program.

Meritt expressed before attending RYLA, she was in a difficult position, mentally and emotionally. Coming from an abusive home and struggling with her own inner thoughts, Meritt explained she found peace, safety and kindredship in the RYLA program.

“It turned everything around for me,” she said, “and as I spent the following years, as a student and as a staff member, I learned there are several student that have experienced something similar to what I did and RYLA helped them just as much as it helped me.”

Both Meritt and Gabelsberg commented their goal is to bring RYLA full circle and instead of phasing students out, they offer more opportunities for previous RYLA students to remain involved in the program. This will be meant as an innovative way to open the door for everyone who wants to be or remain involved in the program.

The above QR code can be scanned using your phone’s camera to findout more about the RYLA program and access the application.