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Youth leadership retreat planned

Young adults from around the region will participate in a leadership retreat in Naramata this spring.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award will be held at the Naramata Centre May 26 to 29.

Between 35 and 40 of the 60 clubs in the region will participate in the event, with clubs sponsoring one or in some cases two young adults to take part in the event. Up to 50 participants will attend the retreat.

Bob Van Balkom, president of the Summerland Rotary Club, said there is no charge for the participants as the various clubs will pay all the fees.

Throughout the weekend, participants will hear from a number of speakers and participate in various team-building and leadership exercises.

Cameron Bowyer, a member of the Summerland Rotary Club, said the experience is valuable for those who attend.

“It represents several thousand dollars in leadership training,” he said.

This year’s speakers include John Wieczorek, Steve McLaughlin and June Darling.

Garry Hollingshead of the Summerland Rotary Club said the weekend provides important skills for the participants.

“I think it’s a very useful thing,” he said. “The kids get enthusiastic about it.”

Van Balkom said those who participate can later influence others to develop leadership skills.

“The more leaders we can produce the better off we will be in the long run,” he said.

The retreat is open to those from 19 to 24 years of age.

For information, please visit ryla5060.com. A registration form is available from the site.

Those who have additional questions are asked to contact info@ryla5060.com.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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