RYPEN Youth Camp - Lake Culleraine, September 2003
(RYPEN - Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment)

The rotary club of Mildura was proud to host the district 9520 RYPEN Camp for 2003 at Lake Cullulleraine in rural northern Victoria.  The Program for this camp was carefully prepared by the Rotary RYPEN - RYLA District committee, and hosted by the Rotary Club of Mildura.  This is the first time that the District 9520 camp has been held in country Victoria.

The aim of the RYPEN Camp was to enable young people to broaden their outlook on life from a cultural, social and academic perspective.  36 young students from Adelaide, the Riverland, Broken Hill and Sunraysia attended the weekend residential camp.

Programs included presenters and workshops on Drugs and Alcohol, Leadership, Mission & Goal Setting and Personal Success.  Activities included Public Speaking, Juggling, Team Games and creative preparation of skits for a Grand Concert as well as a fun filled mini-Olympics.

Participants arrived on Friday evening and got to know one another through various activities and went home on Sunday evening having made new friends and gained a great deal of knowledge, self confidence and personal development.

The coordinator for the camp was Bernd Schulte, Chair of the Youth Committee of the Rotary Club of Mildura and a member of the RYPEN - RYLA District Committee.  Bernie Boxer from the RYPEN - RYLA District Committee, was also in attendance.  Former RYLA awardees Amy McLennan, Zeb Schulz and Tara Nicholson participated as leaders for the activities over the entire weekend.

Counsellors of the Camp were:
Merv Lincoln, President of Rotary Club of Mildura
Jayne Sunbird, Rotary Club of Mildura

The District Governor for the Rotary District 9520, Graeme Dodson, visited the camp on Friday evening and addressed the participants.

Members of the Rotary Club of Mildura provided a BBQ on opening night and other members including past District Governor Arthur Robinson and Nesta visited the camp during the weekend.