RYLA 2007

 

An experience to lead a life time...

 

 

Forty-one sophomore and junior students from nine Maui County high schools (including Lanai and Molokai) gathered together at Camp Maluhia to experience the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp program (RYLA).  This world-wide program was sponsored by the eight Maui County Rotary Clubs.  

 

The 2007 Maui Camp RYLA was directed by Larry and Joanne Laird, members of the Kihei-Sunrise Rotary Club.  Over 90 volunteers from the Maui County Rotary Clubs gathered together at Camp Maluhia to assist in every camp capacity from serving as Facilitators, Chaperones, Cooks and a myriad of other jobs to help make this camp a success for these student leaders.  The purpose of the camp was to give these students an opportunity to participate in quality leadership training experiences and activities.  These activities were led by dedicated Rotarians who helped guide the campers in understanding the principles of effective leadership.  Students experienced such workshops as The Nuggets of Leadership, Acceptance of Others, Stress and Time Management, Making the Right Choice and more.  The culmination of the 3-day program was a graduation ceremony where each camper was presented with a Diploma by Rotarian and Maui County Council member, Gladys Baisa. 

 

Campers completed an evaluation at the end of the program and over 96% rated the experience as Excellent or Very Good.  Some of the campers’ comments were:

• Now I want to be a leader and take everything that I got here and use it in my own life.
• I got to meet so many new people and learn new leadership skills that will help me in the future
• I got friendly adults who made me feel at home and got to play in fun activities that had helpful lessons
• This camp made learning about leadership FUN!!!

 The eight Rotary Clubs of Maui are part of Rotary International’s global network of more than 31,000 clubs in 166 countries.  Rotary International consists of 1.2 million professional men and women who, as civic leaders, volunteer to improve the quality of life in their home and world communities.  Rotary clubs support programs that address today’s most critical issues, including violence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, the environment, illiteracy, youth development, the eradication of polio, and international exchange.  The Rotary Clubs of Maui are: Kahului, Kihei Sunrise, Kihei-Wailea, Lahaina, Lahaina Sunrise, Maui, Upcountry, and Wailuku.  For more information about the Maui County Rotary Clubs contact Assistant Governor Cynthia Clark at 269-2828.