We were kept hard at work on Day Three finishing our projects, meeting some amazing speakers, and then finishing off our night with the spectacular dance.
Kiersten Kral
In the afternoon, we had RYLA alum Kiersten Kral come in to talk to us. Kiersten is a beloved part of the RYLA family and had spent time as a conferee, a Junior Counselor, and a Senior Counselor. Unfortunately, she had an accident while running track that changed the life she had known forever and left her with a traumatic brain injury. Many things that people take for granted, watching TV or traveling in a car, became very difficult for her, and the life as a Division I track athlete she had before her was changed. However, Kiersten did not let this accident change her RYLA values and came to share her powerful message of seizing each day because you never know how your life could change. She shared with us a few of the poems she’s written during her recovery time which had very powerful messages about the true meaning of strength.
-Her poems can be found on her personal blog here: https://thepathtothereblog.wordpress.com
Olympics
The second day of Olympics was definitely just as competitive and fun as the first. Everyone was playing to win, but in the end Amanda revealed that everyone was a winner in the RYLA Olympics! Although at first we were confused, and for some maybe even a little upset, we all realized the importance and reason for this. We learned that we should not bring each other down because even though we were split into groups we’re all on the RYLA team, and every win for one team was a win for all.
RYLA News Broadcast
RYLA News Broadcast started off their presentation with a comical recap of the events from the day before. After finishing off an equally funny weather broadcast we got to see the much awaited cooking segment which definitely got the most laughs.This day’s broadcast featured the making of ramen noodles that the JCs and conferees tasted and loved.
Talent Show
The talent show was great! Lots of conferees reached out of their comfort zone to go on stage in front of everyone to perform talents they may or may not have rehearsed. The acts were absolutely amazing! They ranged from dancing, singing, playing instruments, to even comedy mimics of famous people. The staff and conferees were warmly cheered for their spectacular talents that were performed. The RYLA Talent Show of 2018 was named the best talent show to have occurred within the past 18 years.
Dance
The dance was full of joy and positive energy on the dance floor. The conferees were able to jam out to music and have fun with others throughout the night. They brought each other up by encouraging one another to dance. Many of the staff members wanted the conferees to maximize the RYLA experience, so they decided to cruise along the dance floor, which generated excitement among the conferees. The dance was a blast and it brought forth a larger variety of friendships between the conferees.
Kiersten Kral
In the afternoon, we had RYLA alum Kiersten Kral come in to talk to us. Kiersten is a beloved part of the RYLA family and had spent time as a conferee, a Junior Counselor, and a Senior Counselor. Unfortunately, she had an accident while running track that changed the life she had known forever and left her with a traumatic brain injury. Many things that people take for granted, watching TV or traveling in a car, became very difficult for her, and the life as a Division I track athlete she had before her was changed. However, Kiersten did not let this accident change her RYLA values and came to share her powerful message of seizing each day because you never know how your life could change. She shared with us a few of the poems she’s written during her recovery time which had very powerful messages about the true meaning of strength.
-Her poems can be found on her personal blog here: https://thepathtothereblog.wordpress.com
Olympics
The second day of Olympics was definitely just as competitive and fun as the first. Everyone was playing to win, but in the end Amanda revealed that everyone was a winner in the RYLA Olympics! Although at first we were confused, and for some maybe even a little upset, we all realized the importance and reason for this. We learned that we should not bring each other down because even though we were split into groups we’re all on the RYLA team, and every win for one team was a win for all.
RYLA News Broadcast
RYLA News Broadcast started off their presentation with a comical recap of the events from the day before. After finishing off an equally funny weather broadcast we got to see the much awaited cooking segment which definitely got the most laughs.This day’s broadcast featured the making of ramen noodles that the JCs and conferees tasted and loved.
Talent Show
The talent show was great! Lots of conferees reached out of their comfort zone to go on stage in front of everyone to perform talents they may or may not have rehearsed. The acts were absolutely amazing! They ranged from dancing, singing, playing instruments, to even comedy mimics of famous people. The staff and conferees were warmly cheered for their spectacular talents that were performed. The RYLA Talent Show of 2018 was named the best talent show to have occurred within the past 18 years.
Dance
The dance was full of joy and positive energy on the dance floor. The conferees were able to jam out to music and have fun with others throughout the night. They brought each other up by encouraging one another to dance. Many of the staff members wanted the conferees to maximize the RYLA experience, so they decided to cruise along the dance floor, which generated excitement among the conferees. The dance was a blast and it brought forth a larger variety of friendships between the conferees.