The 2014 RYLA CANDIDATES.

Erin Brown and Kieran Robertson from Forfar Academy were bowled over by their RYLA experience and by the report given, it is an experience that will stay with them into their adult lives. Gorge Walking, Kayaking and Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Raft Building and Hill Walking all featured in a week filled with excitement. Friendships were forged with others who at the start of the week were complete strangers proving the RYLA week a life changing experience.

Two RYLA weeks take place each year in July – one for boys and one for girls.

They are held at the Abernethy Trust’s Outdoor and Adventure Centre at Ardeonaig, situated midway between Killin and Kenmore, overlooking Loch Tay and the surrounding hills.

The location, the facilities and the staff combine to ensure the ideal mix for an enjoyable and memorable experience from which those participating will derive great benefit. By making use of a residential experience and outward bound activities to: Create various environments for them to operate in and build a team spirit to enable them to work effectively.  To encourage the recognition and use of skills in others but also discover things about themselves. This builds confidence in themselves and to encourage and support each other. The whole experience is to provide leadership opportunities in practical situations and at the same time making the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable.

This was the message reitterated by the two candidates sponsored by Forfar Rotary and their personal experiences supported this in their talks to the members at their weekly meeting.

Photo L-R  President Alan Cairns, Erin Brown, Keiran Robertson with teachers Anne Callendar and Bob Baldie.