Inspiration at RYLA by Kurtis Alexander

Talk about an event of epic proportions!  Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) at Camp Clayton.  This five and a half day "marathon", aimed at young adults aged between 18 and 30, involved various seminars, workshops, team activities and adventures.

The activities we participated in were aimed at building leadership attributes, developing self-awareness and improving communication and problem solving skills.

RYLA 2012 certainly achieved this!

We heard from many inspirational keynote speakers, including Stan Alves (ex AFL coach) and Robyn Moore (the voice of Blinky Bill turned professional speaker!). Although different in their presentations, both delivered powerful messages to a room full of young adults.

Stan spoke about leadership qualities and self development and shared some great AFL insights.  I found this particularly impressive, given he coached the team I follow, the MIGHTY SAINTS!

Robyn facilitated a seminar about dealing with adversity and achieving the most from life.  This was a message delivered exceptionally well, given her involvement in numerous charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Although a heavy message at times, Robyn inspired us when talking about some of the ‘wishes’ she has been involved in granting.  This included the story of a young boy who wanted to go fishing on a boat and actually catch a fish.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation made that happen alright ... They had a diver under the boat with a bag full of them!  Each time that rod went in, out came another fish.  How amazing!

Some of the team activities we participated in included rock-wall climbing; high wire challenges, up in the air 10+ meters, making it from one point to another on large cables (harnessed in thankfully); obstacle courses and spending an afternoon at the Quite Cone, practicing some relaxation techniques.  There were too many tasks to name but they all held a common goal – achieving great outcomes through team work.

All in all, this was an action-packed week which I thoroughly enjoyed and learnt from.  It is great to see the Rotary clubs collaboratively put on such a great event and invest in young Tasmanians.  If you ever get a chance to attend – take it!

I’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise for sponsoring me to attend this event.