Posted by Laura Nichols-Endres on Apr 14, 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the Club was joined by the enthusiastic high school students who were finishing our Camp RYLA leadership Camp. From team-building activities and ethical discussions to problem-solving around current issues affecting their schools such as mental health, these young people grew during their four days of camp!
President Todd Nicholson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance & the 4-way test.  He thanked the meeting volunteers: Greeters Jim Hart, Sherry Howe, Bob Cardinal,  Katie Dailey, Christopher Taykalo, Tech team: Ken Crabb, Dave Wolfgram,  Matt Magers.
 
RYLA Campers gave the inspirational minute, leading a sign language song they learned during camp.  They signed: "I cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can do."
 
Sherry Howe introduced visiting Rotarians & guests.  John Crudele, a regular speaker at RYLA attended, and he commented that he is so happy to be back.  Visiting Rotarians were present from the following Clubs who sponsored RYLA students:  Minnetonka, New Prague, Rogers, Rochester & Glencoe.  Sherry also introduced the many parents who came to pick up students.
 
Sarah Guy-Levar shared that students will see many benefits from being a RYLA participant and connected to Rotary.  She also announced a special event on May 17th at the University Club.  Bringing guests is encouraged! 
 
Other upcoming meetings:

Next Meeting – 501 Inspirational Lounge  

 5:01 PM, Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at U-Club 

Speaker – Todd Lefko, President, International Business Development Council  

“The Current Events in Ukraine and Russia” 

Coming Up – Hybrid Signature Lunch

Noon, Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront 

Speaker – MN Supreme Court Associate Justice Anne McKeig 

“Just a Girl from Federal Dam” 

AND Rotary Alumni Day


 
President Todd introduced RYLA camp director Linda Mulhern, who gave President Todd a RYLA hat.  She thanked the RYLA adult counselors, the extraordinary junior counselors, and the Rotarians who helped with Camp RYLA.  All received a big round of applause from the audience.  She shared her appreciation for the students who came to RYLA.  They are incredible leaders & ready to make the world a better place.
 
Linda introduced the RYLA campers, who shared about their experiences.  They introduced their teams and shared some of the activities that they participated in --  egg drop, team bonding activities, field games, rock climbing and more.  Every day they had a time to reflect on their day. 
 
The Feed My Starving Children packing event was a special highlight.  RYLA campers packed 124 boxes, which makes nearly 27K meals.  73 children will be fed for a year, thanks to their efforts!
 
The students highlighted the moving, interactive evening presentation by John Crudele.  They looked at the stories of children whose lives were improved after receiving food from Feed My Starving Children and talked about their own stories.
 
In addition to all of the fun, they dove into serious topics such as mental health, equality & racism, school communications -- did presentations.  They also created solutions for a high school with budget issues.  All of these thoughtful conversations and experience creating collaborative action plans will serve them well as future leaders!
 
The meeting concluded with a wonderful slide show created by the students featuring photos of their activities over the past few days.  Congratulations to everyone involved in this major effort!
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Laura Nichols-Endres