Meeting volunteers:
Tech team - Matt Magers and Andrew Vincelli
Greeters - Jim Hart and Beth Naughton
Scribe - Susan Rostkoski
The RYLA master of ceremonies Makade Mastel (green) opened the session by displaying his backflip skills learned at Circus Juventas.
The inspirational minute, presented by Nicole (orange) from Brazil, focused on dreaming big.
Addie (red) introduced visiting Rotarians, teachers, counselors, parents and other family, recognizing the important role of each of those groups. She also thanked the Prior Lake Rotary for sponsoring her.
The programmatic portion of the meeting was provided by six of the RYLA attendees:
Kaitlyn (red) talked about how this was her first time attending RYLA and how apprehensive she initially was. The most important lesson she learned was that sometimes one needs to ask for help to get things done. She wants to be a junior counselor.
Nicole (orange) came from Brazil through the exchange program. Her favorite part of the RYLA experience was how people could explore difference of opinion, discuss varying options and still remain friends.
Joshua (yellow) said he excelled at having fun and exploring “Who Are You?” topic. He reflected that leadership is about how you act, how you treat people when no one is watching, trusting others, and being your authentic self.
Olivia (yellow) thanked the West St. Paul Rotary for its sponsorship of her attendance at RYLA. Her most important lessons were learning to adapt to multiple viewpoints, understanding others and being willing to grow. “Growth begins where your comfort zone ends.” She is going to France for Rotary exchange and feels that RYLA was a preview for that experience.
Mackenzie (blue) mentioned her highlight question: what if I CAN do this? Her best lesson was learning from others.
Selmas (purple) thanked the Rochester Rotary for sponsoring her. The biggest challenge was the rope maze with everyone blindfolded. The only way out was to ask each other for help and to become a team, letting everyone contribute. She learned that the best teamwork is about connections and trust.
Taylor Grayson, Camp Director, noted that numbers of attendees nearly doubled from last year, with 25 of those attending being sponsored by Club #10. She recognized past directors and club volunteers. She especially noted the efforts in outreach and marketing by Carolyn Wills.
President Jason gave a special thanks to both Taylor Grayson and Pete Grayson, adult counselors and junior counselors.
Carolyn Will talked about the upcoming 4th of July fireworks being sponsored by the St. Paul Club. It is being called Red, White and Boom! and will take place in front of the Cathedral.
Tricia Wiltanen asked for more assistance at Grand Old Day to sell wristbands.
Happy Dollars included -
Scott Arndt noted that he is now assisting Dave Dominick in the plantings at Cleveland Circle. Minnesota native and perennial plants will be the focus, and the City is amending the soil. Planting date is likely to be 5/6 or 5/7 and help is needed.
Karin Ciano noted that today is a good day.
Michael-jon Pease requested that members look for career opportunities for the students of Gordon Park High School where we give awards to students of the month.
Linda Mulhern thanked the RYLA participants who came to her aid when she experienced a health related incident at the camp. “They were awesome!”
Brianna noted that she is celebrating her 23rd year as a Rotary member and thanked all who have made that time a special experience.
Aaron Gjerde talked about the humility and openness to change that he observed in RYLA campers.
Dana Bruce thanked all the leaders of RYLA.
Susan Schuster noted that Dana is the chair of Saint Paul Parks Conservancy board and that there is an SPPC event on 6/4 that she encouraged us to attend.
Pete Grayson talked about the importance of an accountability partner for each of the RYLA attendees.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30.