An Unexpected Journey of Growth and Inspiration by Liz J.
It started with an email.
An email that detailed a leadership program, one which pertained to all things “nature-y” and “outdoorsy”, coated with Wisconsin’s leftover winter chill. It was everything I wasn’t; the definition of ‘so not my forte.’ I wasn’t really set on going until I told my mom about it and her face lit up with instant excitement. She’d already started planning where to find winter attire amidst the literal definition of heat, Florida, and settling plane tickets and suitcases. The fact was made slightly better, considering my best friend was going along with me and the whole situation would be less awkward. So, everything was settled, and I spent the weekend preparing for Thursday, the day of our departure to Illinois, where we’d then take a bus to the actual camp. When I arrived at the airport and met up with everyone else, it suddenly hit me how little people were going. Me and my best friend, two other boys, Claudia, and Dexter. I was surprised and wondered if the trip would be fun with so little people in our personal travel bubble. We finished checking in and got on the plane. The view from my window seat was very beautiful and the water below rippled in wavelets. Though I slept most of the time, the nice airfare added to the experience.
We’d finally landed in Chicago and the scenery was so different, so pretty. And so cold! It was something most of us on the trip weren’t used to, but it still maintained its enjoyability. We got in a bus and drove to Sean’s house, the big coordinator of the entire experience, and he welcomed us with open arms. We met tons of cool people there and even went for some deep-dish pizza, which was personally my first time trying. A little time after the pizza, we headed to the bus that would take us to the camp in Wisconsin, and the country-like environment was really beautiful. The sun had began setting on the horizon and the light crept into the big windows of the bus. After a few hours passed, we finally arrived at the camp at night. The long, naked branches of the trees made it look a bit like the scene of a horror movie, and the really cold chill of the environment did not help at all. Nevertheless, it was nothing like I’d ever seen.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted and assigned cabins where we shared rooms with other campers. The cabins were certainly not luxurious or the best experience, but they were still good to sleep and relax in. I had so much fun with the girls I bunked with that the fact was made much less uncomfortable. We gathered at the dining hall area and got started with the introductions to what the camp was about, and who our group leaders would be. Attending RYLA for the first time was like entering a world of inspiration, challenges, and personal growth. As someone who had never experienced a leadership camp before, I had no idea what to expect. But from the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for something special. In the beginning, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I didn’t know anyone, and the idea of spending a few days with complete strangers was a little…much. But as soon as I met my group and group leader the nerves began fading. The counselors were super nice and welcoming. By the end of the day, I’d already begun making new friends and realizing that everyone was in the same boat as me. From then on, we’d eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a group. Though the food wasn’t exceptional or five-star, the simple fact that we enjoyed the company of one another over a meal was priceless.
My second day was filled with inspirational leadership workshops, team-building exercises, and motivational speakers. We also had various discussions on what it meant to be a leader. It wasn’t just about taking charge, but about listening, creating a collaboration, and inspiring others. Other than those activities, a small pleasure that I personally experienced was seeing snow for the first time. I felt the frost in my bones, but the soft steadiness of the snowfall was totally worth it. If you’re inclined to go, definitely bring a warm jacket!
One of the most powerful aspects of RYLA was learning about stepping out of your comfort zone. On the third day, I participated in an obstacle course, wall climb, and the kicker- a trust fall, which took a lot- and I mean A LOT of stepping out of my comfort zone to achieve. I normally am an overly cautious and careful person who normally wouldn’t give any new experiences a try, but RYLA helped me achieve that. Though those activities really knocked the wind out of my core, I’m glad I found enough courage within myself to at least try them.
As the final day arrived, I didn’t want to leave. The connections I had made and the lessons I had learned were immeasurable. We ended with a reflection on everything (where we shared our biggest takeaways), and a t-shirt signing and goodbyes. I can confidently say most of us agreed that RYLA wasn’t just a leadership camp, it was a very interesting and inspiring experience.
If you’re a young leader considering RYLA, my advice is this: totally go for it, even if it doesn’t seem to be your speed. I can guarantee you’ll meet super cool people, learn to challenge yourself in new ways, and walk away with a skillset that will remain beneficial for you later in life. It’s an experience unlike any other, so take that opportunity to go if you get the chance.
Thanks for listening.
