RYLA CAMP HIGHLIGHTS.
Posted by Doris Wedge
Sooner Rotary celebrated the 19th annual RYLA camp by hearing from four of the 47 campers as well as the camp directors Bob and Ellen Usry, and camp counselor Jen Tregarthen. Norman high school RYLA campers sponsred by Sooner Rotary are Nico Faz, Maddie Graham, Derrick Hopkins, Ryan Johnson, Sydney Paden, Frieda Rule and Jackson Storm.
Speaking at the meeting were Sydney Paden, Jackson Storm, Derick Hopkins and Ryan Johnson. Each spoke about the "take home pay" from the camp, including developing new leadership skills and self-awareness. "Never judge a book by its cover" was a lesson Hopkins learned in the camp that he called "amazing". Johnson spoke of getting to know youth from much different background than his own and said "I am very blessed with life."
The Usrys established Rotary District 5770 RYLA camp 19 years ago and have volunteered their leadership in organizing and conducting the camp every year. Their five-day camp is regarded as one of the most successful RYLA camp programs in the nation. The students are sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout southwest Oklahoma.
Speaking at the meeting were Sydney Paden, Jackson Storm, Derick Hopkins and Ryan Johnson. Each spoke about the "take home pay" from the camp, including developing new leadership skills and self-awareness. "Never judge a book by its cover" was a lesson Hopkins learned in the camp that he called "amazing". Johnson spoke of getting to know youth from much different background than his own and said "I am very blessed with life."
The Usrys established Rotary District 5770 RYLA camp 19 years ago and have volunteered their leadership in organizing and conducting the camp every year. Their five-day camp is regarded as one of the most successful RYLA camp programs in the nation. The students are sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout southwest Oklahoma.
