Creating Long-Lasting Friendships: Ellis’ Ryla Experience
Streetsport volunteer Ellis Ferrie was the grateful recipient of a sponsored place from the Aberdeen Rotary Club in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
RYLA aims to help young people unlock their potential and develop leadership skills.
Denis Law Legacy Trust has sent a number of participants to take part in the camp over the years, thanks to the kind support of local Rotary clubs.
Hear from Ellis on her RYLA experience, in her own words:
“My favourite moment from RYLA camp would have to be meeting new friends and building positive relationships with them”
“I enjoy doing outdoor activities and meeting new people so, going along to RYLA was the perfect opportunity to do both of those things. I got in contact with the Streetsport Development Manager, Hannah and she forwarded me onto the Rotary club who would be sponsoring me for an informal interview.”
“The RYLA Girls Camp was from the 8th of July to the 15th of July 2023 and took place at Abernethy Trust in Nethybridge. When we got there we were all assigned into our rooms and groups that we would be with for the full week.”
“I was in group 5 and we took part in a number of activities such as rock climbing, gorge walking, coasteering, hill walking, mountain biking, raft building and team challenges. I had tried a few of these activities before and was excited to do them again but I had never done coasteering so, I was a bit nervous to try something new. My team was very supportive and we all helped each other with our strengths and weaknesses.”
“I gained a lot of new skills and worked on my existing skillset such as developing my confidence, problem solving and communication. I learnt that you won’t know something until you try it, which really motivated me to take on new opportunities and try new things!”
“My favourite moment from RYLA camp would have to be meeting new friends and building those good relationships with them. Since the people in your group are with you for the whole week they see things that not many other people might such as your strengths and weaknesses. They are able to help and support you and it becomes a very memorable part of the experience.”
“I would definitely recommend RYLA to anyone, as you gain skills you never thought you could and get to meet so many new people that lead onto amazing long-lasting friendships.”
“My team was very supportive and we all helped each other with our strengths and weaknesses”
Denis Law Legacy Trust would like to thank the Aberdeen Rotary Club for their generous sponsorship. It makes a big difference to young people in Aberdeen and beyond!