RYLA 2009 was a test of the mind body and soul, writes Nastasia Campanella.
BEING sent away on RYLA, I anticipated bad food, boredom and tents. The bush like feel of the venue at Standwell Tops with luscious grass, crisp, clean
air and big trees made for a perfect spot to retreat.
After finding my basic cabin, meeting my bunking buddies and connecting with the other 75 people, it was straight into activities. From role plays, to
having to get up and dance like a teapot ... the first day proved full of fun and frivolity paving the way for a challenging but promising week.
Challenges like running a pretend business was a test of which personalities worked well together and which didn't. Insearch – a team helping abused or
neglected teens get on the straight and narrow - taught us that a simple hug can be the start to solving someones problems.
Breaking boards with bare hands and arrows on peoples necks was a lesson of trust and showed that to achieve your goals, you must stay focused and believe
in yourself. Hearing peoples struggles with mental illness, battling through serious car accidents and brain tumors was emotionally uplifting and personally,
proved that everyone has their very own struggles in life, but that the struggles aren't the important factor, its really how you choose to deal with them.
The leap of faith (climbing a 18 metre poll and jumping through a hoop), and the giant swing (being suspended 20 metres in the air over a cliff before
yanking a rope and freefalling to the ground), was a physical test calling for the team to encourage each other. The public speaking seminar was a personal
favourite. One minute we were hearing about what makes a great speaker, the next, five RYLARIANS and I were chosen to write a speech before delivering
it to the entire camp. My address to the 80 crowd was about my experience living as someone who is totally blind. Everyone sat in total silence, almost
hanging off every word which made the delivery empowering and easier to do. Speaking to my fellow RYLARIANS seemed to really inspire them both as individuals
and collectively and it was great to have the chance to address them because they then wanted me to speak at the formal dinner we organised for the Rotarians.
Co-ordinating food, decorations, entertainment and logistics for the 230 strong dinner was a crazy team effort.
The very first day all 75 participants were told that RYLA would be a life changing experience. I went to RYLA one person, but left more confident and
happy. RYLA taught me how to smile again, to laugh again, to use my disability to help others and to believe when others say I'm special. The best bit
though ... my 75 new best friends.