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RYPEN 2005

WHAT IS R.Y.P.E.N?

RYPEN is the acronym for Rotary Youth Programme for Enrichment

A R.Y.P.E.N. Seminar is a weekend camp for 14 - 17 year old youth, the object is to concentrate on developing several life skills in a team environment.
The program includes both outdoor skills sessions and indoor presentations by Guest speakers at a Centre which has all the facilities for participation, recreation, meals and accommodation.
The programme is designed for students who show qualities of courage, perseverance and steadfastness in everyday life. It is not a Leadership Course, but rather a personal development seminar with full involvement by all participants.
The principal aim is to communicate a series of ideas, problems and social experiences, which will assist the student in forming their own values and moral standards.
Guest Speakers may speak on a range of topics which could include:
  • The Law and You
  • Job seeking
  • Dealing with Youth Problems
  • Manners & Standards
  • Peer support
  • Youth Role Models
  • or other subjects which are of interest and concern to the young.
WHO SPONSORS R.Y.P.E.N?

Rotary Clubs are the main sponsors, however some companies and individuals also provide finance.
The Rotary Club is responsible for the final selection and briefing of all applicants from their area.

Further information is available from your Rotary Club President.

Where is it held?

Every year Rotary clubs in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne sponsor youth who have been identified by schools as fitting the criteria and who would benefit from the course.
The course is held about April at the Guthrie-Smith outdoor education sentre at Lake Tutira, 40 minutes north of napier on the Gisborne road.
This year 17 young persons attended, and after training in high rope work, canoeing and team work they were set a task of collecting clues on the property by using the skills they had learned to solve a puzzle.
In the process they had to write a business plan of how they were to go about the venture, and given a figurative sum of $8000 to "hire" or "buy" the equipment needed, or to "pay" for vital information.
At the end of the course they all agreed that the tasks set were challenging, and they had learned much. Some who couldn't stand the work on the high wires at the beginning of the course ended up walking the beams without any great problems - just demonstrating the confidence that they had gained both in themselves and inn trusting others.
A small group of Rotarians were on hand at all times to do all the donkey work, like dishes - dishes - dishes, but they also managed to join in some of the activities.
It's a great weekend for adults too, and I would recomend it to anyone wanting to get away from the normal way of life and do something different for the weekend.

Take a look at the associated pictures to gain some idea of what the youngsters were required to do.

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