Overall, I thought this year’s Young RYLA moved the bar at a new, higher level.  Bravo to all!  Now a couple of observations, suggestions from one Rotarian/Senior Counselor.

1. SUNDAY:  The “meds/nurse” table was way too bogged down.  Nurse arrived at a different time than we did (mis-cue on when she should arrive?), so everything was “behind.”  Also, because of very complex medication situations, some discussions took more time.  And, some kids bounced off to begin playing, only to have to be found so that Summer could chat and have a face/name.  (NOTE:  Summer is AWESOME!)  Is there a way to review this process and have other medical folks around to help?  Or is this something that Summer absolutely needs to do herself?  If the latter, then we need to place the “meds/nurse” table in a place that allows for privacy between Summer and the family.  This is critical and was difficult to manage.  NOTE:  Some parents waited 2 hours to bring the meds/have the discussion.  Not fair/appropriate, I think.

2. 4-WAY TEST:  Some of these sessions worked and some didn’t.  Since I actually deal with kids at this age and the 4-Way Test, I believe one of the issues is that Rotarians at not necessarily skilled in working/presenting to 13 year olds.  It is a definite skill.  I suggest that one of the most successful of the Rotarians is Jane Johnson….wow….she has it down pat.  Perhaps working with Doug Young to identify those who are capable of doing this…perhaps working with Judy Orr and Jane Johnson since they’re both pretty good.

3. CALL TO ACTION:  I now know that there were several different approaches taken by JC’s.  Of the methods I have heard about, I believe that a “facilitated” approach actually does result in helping kids ID what they want to do, lay out a plan, and get ready to actually implement a plan that touches on their passion.  I saw how one JC brought his passion to a group and it just didn’t resonate strongly with the kids.  So, while they went through the process, I don’t think there will be much follow-through.  I believe a facilitated approach to identifying what the group wants to do (and is likely to follow through on) is a better approach…..just a suggestion.

4. THURSDAY:  A general observation is that Thursday needs more “jumping around” in between and around all the sitting.  Yes, the day began with a hike, but I watched some of our kids fall asleep when sitting too long and “in the dark” during slides.  Last year I think there was more “jumping around” scheduled to keep the kids’ adrenalin up and their attention fully there.

5. GLOBAL STATIONS:  Great beginning.  Too much “noise” and difficult to hear.  Perhaps shift # of sites and their locations?  I think it’s worth another try…..headed in the right direction.  Love the idea.

6. SKITS:  While tangentially interesting, I don’t really see the purpose of this.  Is there a better way to achieve a stated goal?

7. SERVICE PROJECT:  What is the goal of this?  Is there a better, more inclusive way to accomplish it?  Didn’t think it was quite strong.

8. WAYNE’S PICTURES/POWERPOINT WITH MUSIC:  Outstanding!  Wayne is truly an artist, and I watched while all the folks thoroughly enjoyed it.  So, is there a way to post it on a website so kids can download it and continue to enjoy it?

9. WORDS OF FOCUS:  This year I found all of them so very powerful, and I began to yearn that we had video taped them.  Again, on a website that folks can go back each year and review them?  Or download them?

10. GENERAL COMMUNICATION:  In general, pretty awesome.  Occasionally I found that the JC’s had been told something about an activity and then the “word” somehow never quite trickled down.  Several times I just didn’t know where I was supposed to be when a change had been made and not clearly communicated down to my level.  What can I do better?

11. GENERAL OBSERVATION:  This year was so outstanding.  The planning that Junior, Michelle, and Jessica put into the week-long set of events, the conference team, and all was outstanding.  Only a few minor details like missing various pieces/parts for each team to be fully prepared.  Having said that, is there a way that each team could have its own plastic box with all their “stuff” in it for the week?  (Outside of snacks, could we handle it this way…..then make each team responsible for the box?)

With deep gratitude for the privilege of being a part of this amazing team/experience!

Peggy Halderman

Golden Rotary Club