The reason I haven't posted in a really long time is because I've been at camp this past week. I went to a camp called RYLA sponsored by local rotaries (service clubs for older people for those who don't know) and we stayed at LaRoche College (surprisingly nice). It was so much fun! I would recommend it to any rising Juniors who are leaders...actually you don't even have to be leaders to attend this camp. We had really amazing speakers such as Ian Rosenberger, one of the top three from Survivor: Palau. Each day had a theme such as Rapport Building, Philosophy of Leadership, Ethical Leadership, Personal Development, and Service. A typical day usually went like this:

8:30 Breakfast
9:15 Morning Challenge (usually artistic activities)
10:30 Speaker
11:45 Lunch
12:45 Activity
2:00 Discussion Group (we broke up into 3 groups of 7 and talked about everything)
4:00 Free time
5:45 Dinner
7:00 Problem Solving Activities
8:30 More games
10:00 Curfew

However, on Tuesday we had a movie marathon and watched Taken and Mall Cop from 7:00-10ish. Then on Wednesday we played mini golf [: A mini golf place came to set up indoors because it was raining outside D: On Thursday we had dinner with rotary members and then had karaoke night. Once again, a DJ came and set up karaoke for us. [: It was so much fun! During this week, you get to know everyone there (21 kids, 4 counselors) and grow closer to them. On Wednesday during our discussion group time, we didn't break into our small groups but instead joined together for a special DG about personal events. We had to go around in a circle and talked about something that was significant in our life, and we heard inspirational stories from the counselors and sad stories from the campers ): It was upsetting to know what some of these people have gone through at the age of 17...

But overall it was so amazing and all of you juniors better apply next year [: I recommended some of you to the McCandless Rotary (the rotary that sent me and Kyle). Finally, we had to come up with a final performance directed by kids and performed by kids. Rachel from Fox Chapel was our director, and it was basically a talent show. It ran really smoothly even though we planned it on Friday, the day of the performance. It was such an inspirational experience and really helped me with personal growth. The best part is that the people I met are from the Pittsburgh area so we're planning reunions and will be able to see each other again. RYLA's goal is to get 100 or more kids to apply. Our RYLA is for the District of 7300 (greater Pittsburgh area) and the one I attended was the first ever one from this district. On the first day we arrived there, Sunday, our cars were mobbed by campers from the RYLA 7280 which is for a district close by, and they helped us get set up in our rooms and helped to introduce us to other campers. I met Hannah, a girl from RYLA 7280, and she texted me throughout the week to check up on me. So for all of you juniors out there, I'll be there to mob your cars next year [:

10 comments

10 Comments:

Omggg. It sounds amazing. How do you find out about all these camps??
I wish so much that I still lived in Pittsburgh, because I could just follow in your footsteps and find out about everything I need to know. :D

By  Melissa, at August 1, 2009 at 2:45 PM  

It was on the GOAL board so I asked my GOAL teacher and she told me a little about it and I signed up [: We had to do an application but it was definitely worth it. I think I ended up paying $75 for this camp...which is nothing compared to other week-long camps.

By  Connie, at August 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM  

Oh... I feel bad for never taking advantage of GOAL at NAI. =/
Yeah, 75 dollars is a really good deal. :P

By  Melissa, at August 1, 2009 at 4:24 PM  

GOAL at NAI is nothing compared to GOAL at NASH. It's simply amazing [: I never have to go look for opportunities by myself...and the GOAL room was like my second home. It was really close to my first period classroom so I was always there.

By  Connie, at August 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM  

:( I guess I'm missing out this year, aren't I.

By  Melissa, at August 1, 2009 at 5:06 PM  

It's okay! I think most schools have a program like GOAL. You just have to find it in your school.

By  Connie, at August 1, 2009 at 5:44 PM  

Yeah, I know. But I hated my old gifted program back at Moundsview (the district I went to before I went to NA) because they basically assigned me extra homework and projects and didn't make me a happy camper at all. Dx

By  Melissa, at August 1, 2009 at 5:47 PM  

Well gifted programs in elementary school and middle school are very different from ones in high school so you might be surprised to see what your high school offers.

By  Connie, at August 1, 2009 at 7:20 PM  

Trueee. ;) I heard that the person in charge of the gifted program here is REALLY REALLY nice.

By  Melissa, at August 1, 2009 at 7:23 PM  

this sounds so cool! :)

By  Sophia, at August 2, 2009 at 2:52 PM  

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My name is Connie
I'm currently a Senior
This is a piece of my life. [:

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