POSITIVE
RESPONSES TO YRYLA 2011:
1.
Overall, this was the most comprehensive and efficiently-run YRYLA I have
attended.
2.
The application process was outstanding. Dave Amen has been a tremendous
asset to both RYLA and YRYLA. The registration process on Saturday was
smooth and efficient. However, the line for meds was too long and I think
should be logistically situated after the conferees have received their
name tags and manual.
3.
The circle of support was a great way to begin bonding for the entire
conference population.
4.
The "Brainwise" presentation by the JC's
was clear, understandable and at the level of 8th graders. The book
however was not distributed on Friday after it was promised.
5.
The words of focus were outstanding. They were relevant, personal and the
kids could easily identify with the topics presented.
6.
Reflexion Time is always a positive activity.
This year however, the time was shortened on two evenings and on Friday.
Since this is such an important activity, I think the time should be "kept
sacred" and not allow any prior activity to impinge on it.
7.
I liked combining the SC-JC review of the days
activities. In general, I liked the "rose and thorn" and
"effective-not effective" formats. However, I think the latter
should be emphasized more than the former. I liked Peggy's assessment of
the overall reviews as: "there is no drama" discussed (as there has
been in the past).
8.
The matrix activities were extremely helpful in building team trust, leadership
skills and unification. I would keep them all in next year's schedule.
9.
I would like to have each team decide (or re-decide) at which meal(s) they
would like to sit together in the dinning room. The last team activity is
not supper, but Reflection Time. I would like to see suppertime as an
opportunity to have conferees review their days or activities with friends
other than their teammates.
10.
I was delighted that there were no issues (brought up at the evening's review)
between JC's and SC's. This was the most experienced and skilled set of
counselors I have ever had the priviledge of working
with.
11.
The music selections were outstanding...especially the ones after "Take A Look Around."
12.
There needs to be more instructions given to the conferees prior to the
hike. This year, I was taken aback by the dangerous behavior of some
conferees at the top.
13.
The staff's introduction to Car-Car and the trust walk was very good.
However, there were several instances where the safety of the participants was
very much at risk. More introductive instructions were needed about how
to lead, how to keep the blinded safe, responsibility for the safety of the
blinded, stopping the walk entirely and staying away from the barbed-wire
fence.
14.
I recommend that all staff be acquainted with "alternative
activities" which can be used if the weather prohibits the execution of
the scheduled ones.
15.
The choices of speaker, movie and dance music were exceptionally good.
Lloyd
Lloyd J. Thomas
3421
(970) 568-0173