Camp Tecumseh hosts Rotary Leadership Conference

Learning how to be leaders Pictured with some of the participants in the recent Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Seminar held at Tecumseh Leadership Center near Delphi is Delphi Rotarian Jack Cross (third from left), who serves as the seminar chairman. Photo provided Camp Tecumseh hosts Rotary

Emerging leaders from all across northern Indiana gathered last weekend at the Tecumseh Leadership Center for the 22nd annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Seminar. One hundred twenty high school sophomores and juniors worked on key leadership qualities such as communication, resourcefulness, determination, and enthusiasm as Camp Tecumseh facilitators immersed them in a wide array of problem-solving simulations.

"We really learned to communicate better," commented Delphi Community High School sophomore Kari Lake. "We had to learn to work together, especially learning to listen and to consider each person's ideas. Through practice we became much more successful. It was also amazing how we could get to know so many people from all the other schools."

Kaila Hostetter, a DCHS sophomore has this to say, "I really learned the power of encouragement and how important that is for leaders to do. One of the guys was having a really difficult time with one of the challenges and we kept encouraging him. He finally made it! Later in the day when we were recapping, he said that encouragement 'made his day' and he could not have succeeded otherwise. I will remember that when I'm leading in the future."

"I learned that anyone can be a leader and I learned that I can be a leader," added Nickoli Kauffman, a DCHS sophomore. "Until this experience, I never really thought of myself as a leader. But now I have a lot more confidence and know that I can step up and help a group be successful using some of the things I have learned. I also realized that you do not always have to be in charge. You can help lead from within a group, not just from the front. This was a great opportunity, and I'm really appreciative of the Rotary Club allowing me to be part of it."

Jack Cross, a Delphi Rotarian and businessman, has been RYLA chairman for 21 years. In addition to use of the Camp Tecumseh staff and leadership facilities, Cross has gathered a diverse cadre of motivational speakers to spur the participants to new levels of school and community service.

"If anyone feels negatively about today's young people they should just come out to the RYLA program and see the positive side of the youth picture," Cross explained. "Both the RYLA participants and the dynamic Camp Tecumseh staff will give you new assurance that our future is bright."