By Sophia Brown
Most Rotarians have heard of or been to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) which happens every January for high school students.
However, there is another Rotary youth camp that runs in the summer: Jr. RYLA at Camp Wamatochick. Taking place just a little bit ago from June 10 to June 13, Jr. RYLA is a RYLA camp for middle schoolers supported by Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5495. 
Rotary Clubs sponsor youth to attend this camp, making the camp free for all to attend. Jr. RYLA is put together by a volunteer committee, where Brianna Rodriguez, a recent graduate from ASU, has been volunteering her time for the past five years. Brianna has risen up to become the Counselor Coordinator, managing all the junior counselors, mentors, speakers, in addition to this year's curriculum for the camp, among many other tasks.
Brianna spoke to the impact of the camp on the youth who attend, saying “as the Counselor Coordinator, I am able to witness the enormous impact that Junior Counselors and Adult Mentors have on middle school youth, by helping them grow into who they want to become.” She adds how she witnesses “everyone, no matter their position at camp, grow their personal leadership skills.”
Brianna is not the only one who recognizes the impact of camp, junior counselors Jilly Schear and Grace Duarte note the importance of camp as well. Jilly says “Jr. RYLA was an experience I will never forget because I learned so many leadership skills, and the team activities benefited each and every person.” Grace adds onto this saying, “I truly grew as a leader…and learned from my incredible delegates who I saw change and grow more confident throughout the camp!”
Jr. RYLA puts on many activities for the campers including a Confidence Course (an obstacle course helping promote teamwork and self-confidence) and What is your Why (helping campers figure out what they are passionate about). These activities would not be possible without all the volunteers who give up their time to come to Prescott and put on this camp.
Youth Corp leader Liz Magallanes-Holguin reflects on how “at Jr. RYLA, no matter what role you hold, we are all here to grow and learn from one another…It is more than just a camp. It is a place where leadership never stops developing, where lifelong connections are built, and where experiences continue to shape the people we become long after camp ends.”
If you are interested in volunteering with Jr. RYLA, please contact 5495jrryla@gmail.com. Every act of service makes a difference.