The 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS)
The 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) took place, April 18-21, 2024 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre. The 3-night, 4-day experience was geared toward youth between the ages of 16-20 and offered an inspiring program: Conflict Resolution, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reconciliation and Land Based Education, Leadership, Hands-on Activities, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Outdoor Survival along with campfires, friendship and tons of fun and learning. Congratulations to Past District Governor Mark Chipman and his team !!!
Rotary Clubs found and sponsored participants within their community, as well as members of the Rotaract and Interact Clubs that they host. It was an absolutely full house.
Check out the attached Flyer and video of past RYLS participants below.We will have more stories from RYLS in the coming months.
ABOUT THE 2024 PROGRAM
Here is a Thank You Note from past District Governor Mark Chipman, Chair of our District 7070 Youth Services Committee and Chair of RYLS (Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium) to all of the clubs who selected youth from their area and to the clubs that helped pay for students to attend.
A big thank you to you and your club members for supporting Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) 2024 and sponsoring a young person to attend the event held April 18-21 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Here are some highlights of the event:
37 participants between the ages of 16-20
Participants were introduced to the concepts of teamwork and group dynamics through various challenges and group problem-solving tasks
174 liners for girls hygiene kits were assembled/sewn together by the participants (to be sent to the Dominican Republic)
Participants learned the skills necessary to survive in the outdoors. Hands-on initiatives included fire-starting and shelter-building
Other sessions included Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Goal-setting and Conflict resolution
Yoga classes and forest walks each morning
Delicious catered meals and night-time snacks
8 bags of canned goods collected for the Durham Outlook for the Needy food bank
A campfire night with smores and group singing
Drone photography lessons with the opportunity to fly a drone
Participants learned about Rotary, Interact and Rotaract and opportunities “post RYLS” to volunteer and give back
Graduation ceremony and certificates given out to participants on the final day
We encourage you to have the young person you sponsored attend one of your club meetings to speak about their experience. This is an opportunity for them to develop public speaking skills and share the RYLS experience with your members.
We look forward to your support again next year as we continue to ensure RYLS is a safe, fun, educational and rewarding experience for our young community members.
Please enjoy the attached pictures and thanks again!
Mark Chipman
Rotary D7070 PDG and RYLS Chair
WATCH THIS VIDEO
Some photos of 2024:
