Choosing to place yourself in a weekend residential camp experience with 'strangers yet to become friends' is daunting for any young person. Being resourceful in understanding your own capacity to face such a challenge in a desire to grow your resilience is what being an IB Learner risk-taker is all about.
Year 12 student Saskia Devine and Year 11 student Zhuominna Ma were invited guests of the Rotary Club of Broadwater-Southport last Friday, the sponsoring club for their places on the recent Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment. Presenting at the Club's breakfast meeting held at The Southport Yacht Club, Saskia and Zhuominna shared their RYPEN experiences with the Club's members and gave their appreciation for the way the experience contributed to the growth in their confidence.
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is a weekend residential experience for youth aged 14-17 years designed to develop skills that will assist them in the transition to adulthood. Participants are involved in a variety of workshops and activities, which provide an opportunity for them to personally develop, gain self-confidence, communication skills, challenge themselves, build friendships from across the Rotary District 9640 (extends from Grafton to Goondiwindi to Logan), and develop life skills.
The RYPEN schedule is a mix of guest speaker sessions, team-based activities and physical activities. The value of teamwork and the importance of taking part rather than winning is emphasised in all activities. The team encourages questions and robust debate and establishes an atmosphere of fun where it is hard not to have a great time.
RYPEN runs in May each year and is advertised through MyQA notices and with the QAHS Interact Club members.
Vanessa Rebgetz
Principal/Interact Club Supervisor