13 October 2011
RYLA Update
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a programme for young people which, was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971: The objective of the camp RYLA project can be expressed by the 6Cs- Commitment, communication, character, competition, confidence, courage. Pupils James Beattie & Alannah Coupar of Forfar Academy were the 2 pupils Forfar Rotary sent on the RYLA trip this year and had been selected because they had shown leadership qualities which would be further developed during the course. The RYLA week is designed to develop the leadership qualities by providing an intensive and challenging programme, with all participants taking the lead at some point during the week.
Picture L to R John Vannet of Forfar Academy, Pupils James Beattie & Alannah Coupar and President Mike.
Each morning for an hour following breakfast we had a speaker who held a prominent position in the community and who had been successful in their own field of expertise. They talked about their experiences with particular reference to leadership. Thereafter the programme following on from the speaker included the following activities : Hill Walking; Abernethy Challenge, Swimming Competition and Sports Competition; Gorge Walking; Rock Climbing, Abseiling; Mountain Biking and Raft Building. All instruction for the day time activities was given by fully qualified members of staff of the Abernethy Trust.
Having outlined the programme James and Allanah both spoke of their own experiences and about how much they took from meeting up with other like minded participants and the benefits of the whole experience. They are certain to urge others to take up the opportunity in the future should other pupils be given the opportuniyy to take part in this challenging and exhillerating experience.
President Mike Cumming thanked them both for coming back to the club to relate their individual thoughts and wished them both well in their future endevours as they both represented Forfar Academy and Forfar Rotary with distinction.
