Forty-two Kauai high school students enjoyed a weekend at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp at CCC Camp in Kokee. The annual event is sponsored by the five Rotary clubs on Kauai. “RYLA is a great opportunity for students to
Forty-two Kauai high school students enjoyed a weekend at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp at CCC Camp in Kokee. The annual event is sponsored by the five Rotary clubs on Kauai.
“RYLA is a great opportunity for students to get to know one another, learn about teamwork and leadership in fun ways,” said RYLA Chair Dick Olsen. “And, thanks to Rotary scholarships, the weekend is free for participants.”
Waimea High’s Leah Carr said RYLA was a fun and amazing experience.
“I learned what it really takes to become a better leader,” she said.
Throughout the weekend, Oct. 23-25, Char Revelo of Leadership Kauai, along with Leadership Kauai graduates Addison Bulosan, Ivory Lloyd and Jason Illoreta, led creative group activities. Kapaa Rotary’s Gwen Margolis and volunteers supplied hot meals.
On Friday night, a barbecue and Kokee history were provided by Mike Faye of the Rotary Club of West Kauai.
On Saturday morning, Commanding Officer Bruce Hay of the Pacific Missile Range Facility talked about his career, his leadership challenges and the qualities of a leader.
To emphasize Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” Katie Cassel from the Kokee Resource Conservation Program taught campers about invasive plants and gave them experience in taming the weeds at Kokee.
Rotarians and Ravelo stayed up late Saturday night for the campers’ party, which included ice cream and dancing.
On Sunday morning, Rotarian Chris Young facilitated as the students chose three careers to explore with adults representing agriculture, military, hospitality, health care, legal, public service and marketing.
At their graduation ceremony, students were addressed by Rotary District Gov. Del Green. Olsen and Revelo led the graduation and appreciation exercise.
“I learned a lot about how to become a leader and it made me more confident,” said Kapaa High’s Lehua Refamonte.
