Sponsored by Corowa Rotary, Ruby recently attended the unique youth leadership awards held at the picturesque Malmsbury Camp.
Ruby, who works as a Senior Team Leader for the Carers Aged and Disability Service at Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) in Wodonga, shared her inspiring journey and the profound impact the camp had on her.
Ruby Crawford, daughter of Kerrie Crawford, a member of Corowa Rotary, has been with UMFC for six months. In her role, she leads a dedicated team supporting volunteers, carers and children of all ages.
UMFC provides essential care and resources to those in need, offering services ranging from disability support for young people to family camps and one-on-one support.
RYLA 2024 was a unique experience for Ruby and other participants.
The camp's lack of phone reception and internet initially felt daunting but soon became one of its best features.
This "digital detox" allowed participants to connect deeply, share stories and build lasting relationships without the distraction of technology.
The camp was filled with hands-on activities focused on leadership and management skills, including teamwork, communication and project management. Participants practised these skills daily through group challenges and activities.
A highlight of the camp was the guest speakers, including a First Nations woman who shared her powerful story of resilience and strength.
Her talk on breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and surviving domestic violence left a lasting impression on everyone.
Other speakers covered topics such as global leadership, financial literacy, storytelling, and mental resilience, each bringing unique perspectives and wisdom.
The diversity of participants made RYLA truly special. Ruby expressed her deep gratitude to Corowa Rotary for sponsoring her and making this opportunity possible.
She described RYLA as “a journey of growth, self-discovery, and stepping outside my comfort zone”.
The experience reminded her of the power of human connection in a technology-driven world.
“Hopefully reading about Ruby’s experience will have young people in our community realise this opportunity is available to them,” Rotary past president and Pual Harris Fellow Meredith Miegel said.
For those interested in learning more about RYLA, visit the D9790 RYLA Website or contact Corowa Rotary Club.
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