President Chuck Whitaker called the April 25 noon meeting of the St.Paul Rotary Club to order at Double Tree, St.Paul.  Guests and program leaders for the meeting are the 2017 RYLA youth.  

Opening song, America the Beautiful, was lead by two RYLA participants. RYLA leaders provided an MLK, Jr inspired inspiration on the value of service.

President Whitaker thanked the many guests in attendance and thanked the meeting volunteers.

Club Greeters: Pam Chandler, West Academic Publishing, John Chandler, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and Carla Hauge, Hauge Dental Care
Scribe- Trixie Golberg, Lifetrack.

 

President Whitaker congratulated April Birthdays which includes his own.  Song and cupcakes were shared.

The club welcomed the visiting GSE team from Australia and flags and artwork were shared.

RYLA students took the podium to lead the program and share their Camp RYLA experience.  The six unique teams were saluted:Code Red, Orangetangs, Generous Giraffes, BOLT, BLOO and Great Grapes

Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a five-day camp which strengthens leadership skills and capabilities of high school students through physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual challenges.  There is an emphasis on problem solving, teamwork, and interaction with other outstanding students and volunteer counselors and presenters. 

Youth shared their various activities including guest speakers, competitions, skills course, and the Feed my Starving pack.  Members shared with appreciation the importance  of the adult and junior counselors.  Other highlights for campers included the experience of joining a group of new people and having a shared experience building community and the value of self awareness and a new broader community of friends and fellow leaders.

Members enjoyed a video montage from the five day experience.  President Whitaker thanked Brianna Vujovich and Steve Gerber for their leadership and another successful RYLA camp. Brianna also thanked  Doug Bruce for donating a plaque to track and honor the annual pack.

President Whitaker thanked all the volunteers and wished the 2017 RYLA campers all the best in their educational and service adventures ahead.

Meeting was adjourned.  Next week's meeting is back at the InterContinental with Jack Serier, Ramsey County Sheriff as our guest.

Respectfully submitted,

Trixie Golberg