An enriching RYLA for Gujarat youth
When the RYLA camp at Saputara, Gujarat, wrapped up, the participants, as always, “made amazing friends and had a life-changing experience at the end of that exciting weekend,” says Darshan Patel, the PR Manager of RAC Navsari, RID 3060, adding that most of the Rotaractors had not thought that they could bond so closely with total strangers so quickly, and wanted to be part of this RYLA next year too.
RAC Navsari Young Turks, in association with RC Navsari, conducted the two-day camp. All the 70 participants were lodged in tents at a campsite in the Sahyadri ranges. Rotaractors, non-Rotaractors and Rotarians indulged in boating, bungee jumping, rope balancing, zipline rides, horse riding and other such adventurous activities, “keeping in mind that this was to encourage strong leadership in the participants in an atmosphere of trust and respect and also showcase Rotaract to the non-Rotaractors as a fun group so that more young people are inspired to join,” says Patel. Throughout the camp the focus was on leadership characteristics: integrity, communication, planning, decision making, trust, teamwork, problem-solving and self-esteem.
“While some participants enjoyed the food, some loved the dance night. But for me the best part was camping in a tent in the mountains and interacting with the tribal community,” says Muskaan, a participant who is now keen to join Rotaract.
