Rotary Club of Port Jefferson (Oct 09, 2019)

We welcomed as guests Port Jeff High School's new Principal, Eric Haruthunian, PJHS Interact Club Sponsor Deirdre Filippi, and three of her students who attended RYLA Weekend this past April and then, under our sponsorship, RYLA Camp in Massachusetts this past summer: Claudia Koutsantanou and sisters Mattea Rabeno and Michela Rabeno. Deirdre helped to introduce the youngsters, who have visited us previously, and explained that they enjoyed their spring RYLA experience so thoroughly that when they heard about the RYLA camp, they asked to apply. The 3 students then took turns as they explained what they enjoyed most about the weekend and the summer camp. Among their favorite things: RYLA activities were student-led; they were among 300 students from all over LI (including Queens & Brooklyn) who underwent the RYLA weekend application process; in a very short space of time, they got to know well and work closely with young people of all different backgrounds; and everyone involved was very friendly, positive, and uplifting. It was the RYLA Weekend facilitators who suggested the summer camp experience. The camp welcomed 120 students from all over. Among favorite games played at the camp: "If You Really Knew Me...". As the game began, the students each told funny stories about themselves and then progressed to a sharing of more serious ones. Daily 1 hour lectures were given by Mr. Hill, the Camp Director, that sometimes included videos and followed different daily themes, ie., learning the importance of doing things for others without the expectation of reward or repayment, conflict resolution, and understanding and declaring what you're thankful for each day. Every meal was taken at a different table with different people. The youngsters, during all their RYLA activities, learned how to prepare for a job interview, the importance of giving back to the community, and to improve their communication and organizational skills. The Rabeno sisters opted to stay for a 2nd week at the camp. They joined a group of around 37 youngsters, had more free time to explore the area and volunteer, participated in a talent show, and organized a service project. Their current community project here involves helping Hope House Ministries (1 High St., Port Jeff) in its "Drive for Hope", from Nov. 12-22. This is an effort to collect for their clientele necessities like bath towels, cleansers, disposable cups and dishes, liquid soap, socks, men's & women's underwear, jackets, notebooks, light-bulbs, garbage bags, paper towels & napkins, copy paper, fabric softeners, and facial tissues. (On the side, the girls are selling Maasi jewelry to raise money for Chief Joseph's projects in Kenya.) All three RYLArians have kept up the strong bonds and friendships made during the April weekend and at the summer camp, mostly via the use of social media. All three are hoping to be chosen as facilitators at the 2020 RYLA Weekend.