George, a recent Year 11 leaver was selected to go on the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) in Grange Over Sands.
RYLA events are for young people aged 16 to 17 years, who are about to start their working lives or to enter higher education, and who have shown leadership potential and are likely, as adults, to become future leaders. Students are put into mixed groups of complementary ability where they take part in outdoor activities. They are placed in challenging situations to help develop leadership and team bonding skills and to increase personal confidence.
This is George’s story.
I was a little anxious in the run up to it as it was a week away and I didn’t know anybody else on the course.
I needn’t have worried as once we had all arrived we started with some ice-breaker games, so we all got to know each other and then took part in activities such as Jacob’s ladder and canoeing.
We learnt about different styles of leadership and how they can affect a team’s efficiency, and then planned our charity car wash. We raised £230, washing cars in Windemere for the Shelter Box and Mountain Rescue charities. We went on an expedition to the top of Coniston Old Man, one of the highest mountains in England, and wild camped overnight. The week finished with a formal dinner and a presentation about our week. It was an unforgettable experience and I have made some lifelong friends.
I’m really grateful to Bowland staff for putting my name forward and to the Rotary Club for sponsoring the week for me. I’d thoroughly recommend it to any pupils who are given the opportunity next year.
George
George is 6th from the left, pictured with other Rotary Youth Leadership Award winners.
