As a young person, I've been lucky enough to experience many of the
great youth programs that Rotary has to offer and recently I was so fortunate
as to spend a weekend with some of the most promising young people in our
district at this year’s Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN).
This weekend is an action packed, intensive and incredible experience
for young people aged 14-16 and as a Purple Shirt, it's truly rewarding to see
the incredible transformation of the attendees from somewhat cautious on
arrival Friday morning, to not wanting to leave on Sunday afternoon. The
mixture of physical activities, icebreakers and motivational speakers is such a
different camp experience to what any of them have previously encountered and
one that will hopefully be a fond memory for them in the future. Certainly the
constant requests for them to be able to come back are a sure sign we're doing
something right!
I personally was a member of the Yellow team (read: best team) and it
was great to have the time to get to know my team members and discuss with them
issues they feel are important in their life, and most importantly, have a lot
of fun! It was great to see their enthusiasm to take on whatever was thrown at
them over the weekend and be so receptive to all aspects of the camp,
particularly the 'call in song' which is truly a sight to see on Sunday
afternoon!
As for my fellow Purple Shirts, I couldn't ask for more wonderful people
to be involved in such a weekend. Camps like this don't just happen and in the
lead up so many wonderful ideas were raised in order to ensure that every year
RYPEN only gets better. Our chairpersons and secretary do such amazing work
behind the scenes in order to make sure the camp runs as smoothly as possible.
As for the weekend itself, despite the Purple Shirts running on Very little
sleep, no job was left undone, everyone pitched in when/if needed without
asking and the incredible way they were able to interact and engage with the
awardees was unbelievable. These guys are truly wonderful and a credit to
themselves and to Rotary.
All in all it is such a great camp, one that deserves the continuing
support of the district as it is such a brilliant way to encourage young people
in themselves and in Rotary and hopefully encourage participation in other
Rotary youth programs in the future.
Kaye Titmarsh - Rotary e-Club Member
Service Project Team Captain: Tim Egan – Youth
Director: youth@rotaryeclubnextgen.org
Youth Committee Member:
Ingrid Jewson: rickingrotary@gmail.com