STUDENT LEADERSHIP

From Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29th of June, Lauren and I were sponsored by Mt Eliza Rotary to go to the RYPEN leadership camp in Neerim East. RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) was quite simply, amazing. Lauren and I had a fabulous time with the forty or so other year nine and ten students attending from around Victoria. We arrived nervous, to a sea of t-shirts boasting Star Wars, Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes slogans and graphics, then after a few rounds of (potentially deadly) cage soccer with fifteen other people we were right at home!

We listened to a talk by Charles Kovess who encouraged us to 'Be weird and be yourself!' (this of course was quoted several hundred times by the RYPEN students over the weekend). Also, inspiring speaker Sam, who was very humorous despite his serious medical battles after a life threatening car accident. During these talks we gained knowledge about how be an effective leader and lots of key tips for public speaking.

We also worked in teams to develop strategies to combat bullying. My group looked at breaking down stereotypes and negative stigmatisms within schools, while Lauren's addressed different types of bullying. In our groups we had really interesting discussions about youth and various issues in modern society; these included mental health, sexism, alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

One highlight was the mini Olympics, the prize being epic bragging rights. There were a bunch of really cool activities we had to get through as a team using our leadership skills, strategising, organisation and communication skills that we had learnt. After several intense and somewhat dangerous rounds of musical chairs (I tell you it's a miracle it didn't end up like the Hunger Games) and various other activities, the judges declared the Red Team the winner (a.k.a Team OWN IT! Lauren will say we cheated, but we didn't!)

If anyone ever offers you an opportunity to play wheelchair basketball, take it. It is very, very fun, (and hard work). Our team’s got very competitive and gained a new appreciation for the skill and dedication of Paralympian's and others that may be confined to a wheel chair or similar. We learnt about how to correctly use a wheel chair and the rules of wheel chair basketball.

On our last day we all presented our group projects on bullying. There was going to be a winner but the judges decided to call it a draw, I'd like to congratulate the three other teams, everyone did a truly awesome job. We all bonded tightly and had an awesome time, no one wanted to leave. We made so many great friends and memories. I highly recommend RYPEN to anyone looking to make new friends, have new experiences, and further improve their public speaking and leadership skills.

Lucaya Rich

MUNA

MUNA 2016 took place on the 20th – 22nd of May 2016. Emily Taylor and I; Mikki Green, attended the program, representing Colombia. Here is our quick summary….

We recently attended the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in which we represented Colombia. This program helped us develop an awareness of the United Nations and Colombia’s role in the UN Assembly. The event provided an excellent forum for us to develop and practice our public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues. This program has definitely benefited our education, as well as given us an insight into what goes on in the real world.

We created close friendships and relationships with many of the kids there, and we've kept in touch with almost every one of them to this day. Associating with kids we don't usually see everyday has helped improve our social skills, as well as our ability to cooperate and share living space. The program provided ways in which we got to know everyone, with games, activities and even a bonfire with the group. In addition to the actual assembly, we got to know everyone through social activities, which has helped create friendships that may last a lifetime. The assembly was quite realistic, with all delegates providing genuine arguments that created heated debate. The resolutions chosen were very relevant to world issues occurring across the globe that made it easier for us to research and to find an argument on the topic. There were many moments in which I was captivated or moved by someone’s speech. Every delegate spoke with such knowledge and passion about the resolution, that I felt like I was in a real UN assembly. The kids definitely raised the bar for next year I must say. This program has definitely opened many doors for us. The whole experience has given us an insight as to whats out there in the world. MUNA helps to nurture young minds and foster different opinions out into the world, creating future political leaders and talented debaters.