Rotary Leadership Programme
By Chaplain, SQNLDR Stuart Hight
Base Auckland recently hosted the 2010 Rotary Youth Leadership Activity (RYLA) programme, for the second year in a row. Six of the 28 participants were from the Air Force and one person came from Norfolk Island.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force venue received positive comments, with participants relating that it felt “pretty cool being at a Military Base”, and that it was “great to get a taste of Air Force life”. One participant responded, “The integration of the Air Force with the course really gave you an insight into who you really are.”
Corporal Chris Campbell, the team building and physical training instructor, received very positive feedback relating to his skills at motivating, supporting and challenging the participants. Comments from course participants relating to the ‘Longest Day’ activity and Physical Training (PT) sessions included:
- “Pushed me to my absolute limits both mentally and physically—as well as my patience.”
- “Awesome guy and awesome PT course.”
- “Pushed me way out of my comfort zone.”
- “Mind over body.”
- “Good stuff!”
If success is measured by enthusiasm, then this partnership between the RNZAF and Rotary to provide a challenging and enjoyable training programme could definitely be deemed to be successful.
Background
RYLA is a seven day residential programme focused on developing leadership skills for 18–24 year-olds, and is proposed and sponsored by Rotary Clubs. The seminars offer experiential learning, individual and group activities, modern learning techniques, expert training teams, and special guest speakers. The participants have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills—as both individual and team players—to assist them achieve their personal and professional goals.
The RYLA programmes enable young people to:
- debate issues of professional responsibility and human relationships
- improve leadership and communication skills
- learn about businesses and institutions, and
- have fun.
Personal Experience
By AC Johnny Bovaird
I was expecting a group of stuffy junior corporate types on the course. These expectations were soon negated though as we started to get to know each other. Over the week, we were challenged on our views of leadership and responsibility, our roles in the community and our general attitudes to life.
One of the speakers lost both of his legs in a railway accident when he was nine, but that hasn’t stopped him leading a great life. He has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, is a multiple medal winning Paralympic athlete, and competed in many national disabled competitions. His question to us was, “Why do people wait till they’ve experienced some sort of disaster to start living their life to its fullest?” The course enabled me to set a clear direction for my goals and where I hope my career to lead. It also helped me re-awaken some of the passion and motivation I had lost. I would greatly recommend the course to anyone. It’s an awesome experience and you reap some great rewards in terms of goals
and motivation.”
Personal Experience
By AC Trent Vannisselroy
Going into the course I didn’t know what to expect. I’d done leadership courses before so I was hoping for something new. And boy did RYLA deliver!
From Improvement Expert to a legless man that has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, from International speakers to a member of parliament—we had some awesome speakers. These speakers didn’t just speak on leadership but on what makes up leadership and great leaders—courage, desire, personalities, behaviours, integrity, and so much more Also—for a bit of fun—we got to do PT every morning at 0630! The Longest Day action included the mandatory ‘mud run’.
I’ve gained a great bunch of friends and skills from this course, which will help me in the future. If you ever get asked if you’d like to go on this course, don’t hesitate, just do it!”