What is RYLA? These four letters may have no meaning to most individuals reading this, but to me words can't explain such an acronym.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a leadership programme in which thousands of people across the globe participate annually. RYLA is more than just an award; it assists you in attaining leadership skills, increases your self confidence and allows you to gain exposure to a diverse array of people and issues.

RYLA events are for young adults with proven leadership experience and potential leaders from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are a secondary school student, university student, or young professional, RYLA provides a unique opportunity to learn, grow, have fun, and make new friends. The RYLA experience prepares young people to be leaders in their community, profession, and other facets of everyday life.

The three-day camp took place in Alpine, New Jersey, for district 7230, which includes Bermuda. Representing Bermuda were Rachel Waldron (Saltus Grammar School), Kyla Sinclair (Mount Saint Agnes Academy), Hayley Cann (Warwick Academy), Ashley Johnson, and myself (Berkeley Institute). All attending different schools, we barely knew each other or some of us didn't even know each other. We were all selected through our schools and then were short listed by a form of applications. We then got interviewed; there were over 50 interviewees and we were the chosen five.

Since the camp was in New Jersey, this meant travelling, so we left on Friday, April 16 for a flight that was supposed to leave at noon. Instead we had a three-hour delay that gave us the opportunity to get to know one another better. We truly enjoyed each other's company while eating and eventually we spotted some bean bags in a nearby store, and we relaxed and watched 'Monsters Inc.'

Once we had landed in New Jersey, we collected our luggage and headed to the pickup area to meet the Rotarians who were designated to collect us. As we drove to our destination we saw landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, which gave us a photo opportunity. Then we entered a "no-more-city-area": we entered the forest and arrived at our destination, which was John E. Reeves Lodge.

Subsequently, we checked in and were greeted by all of our new friends. I instantaneously bonded with a girl by the name of Gabby. People thought that we already knew each other, which we didn't. We then completed some ice-breakers to get to know each other. We did a few other activities and the night ended.

The next day we completed a variety of activities, such as leadership, public speaking, self-motivation, goal setting, conflict resolution, stress management, team work, financial management, group dynamics and negotiation skills. The key quote we learned during the course of the weekend was, "Success is a function of advance planning". We also learned a camp theme song 'Buttercup' that we all came to like very much.

As the end approached, we bonded more and more like a big happy family so that when Sunday morning came and it was time for the Bermudians to leave, some sobbed. I was teary eyed. This was because in the course of a weekend, I gained a family, learned what it is to be a true leader and finally discovered that I am capable of anything!

"RYLA was a great experience," Rachel Waldron observed. "We were able to have a lot of fun and participate in many activities that gave us the skills that we need to be a good leader. Although it was a conference, it didn't really seem like it. It felt more like a family reunion – that's how close we all became over those three days. I was able to meet new people whom I can see myself being great friends with in my future. I would like to thank the Bermuda Rotary for sponsoring us and I hope more Bermudians will partake in this event next year because it really is a once in a life time opportunity."

Hayley Cann summed it up nicely: "RYLA pushed me as an individual to escape my comfort zone and to meet new, interesting people. The numerous activities and lectures provoked a new sense of motivation for me to become a better leader and influence those around me in a positive manner."

As a final observation: RYLA has been a phenomenal and unforgettable experience!