The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a 4-day camp that takes sophomore or junior representatives from different schools and places them together to establish bonds and develop social and leadership skills. Juniors Abby Washkowiak and Baylie McLaren attended for the school this year.

“Mr. Rutherford and the Rotary Club of Bryant picked us out to go. We felt like it was a great opportunity and would allow BHS to get involved with RYLA for years to come,” McLaren said. “It allowed Abby and me to meet people from other Arkansas school districts and integrate our ideas into each other’s schools.”

The girls were split up into different color groups that they would spend the day with, which gave the girls the opportunity to branch out and meet everyone.

“Baylie and I were split up so our experiences were each unique. Every day we had different activities planned and each activity required us to use teamwork, leadership skills, listening skills and self motivation,” Washkowiak said.

The activities were everything from small games to climbing a 40-foot rock wall and high ropes courses.  There was a purpose for each game and after the groups would discuss whatever skills were required in order to overcome the obstacles.

“The activities were a lot like our Keystone class; they were all used to overcome our personal fears and trust our peers. After each activity the teacher would give us reflection time,” McLaren said.

There was also a dance, a talent show and an all faiths church service.

“Baylie and I actually sang for worship in front of the whole camp,” Washkowiak said.

McLaren and Washkowiak accomplished a lot throughout the four days and made new friends throughout the state that they still keep in contact with.

“I met so many new people and learned so much. The awesome thing about the camp was that it didn’t matter where you came from because we were all there for the same reason. I am beyond blessed that I got the opportunity to go,” Washkowiak said.