I don’t know why I thought the middle of the day, the day before RYLA and Grand Lake, was the time for a volunteer gig but we did and we had an excellent time despite the hectic-ness. We volunteered with the Action Center, an organization who’s focus is helping people become self sufficient around life’s difficult circumstances. We worked sorting clothes for their clothing shop which helps clients experiencing poverty and/or houselessness. After finishing up, we had to hurry home to pack a run out final touches on everything.

Friday, after a final shopping trip, we headed up and out. My parents and Evan went to Grand Lake and I spent the day in Estes working on my speeches and organizational skills for RYLA. Beau joined me late that night to avoid an early morning drive from her hometown.

Saturday Evan and my parents and grandparents competed in a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) cook off in Grand Lake, funds raised in this event benefits Grand Lake fire fighters. Meanwhile, Kai and I spent the day preparing for and setting up RYLA. After meals bonding with our team, a hectic day of constructing activities, and making final decisions and detail checks, we were finally ready for kids to arrive the next day.

Sunday was full beyond full of RYLA magic. I am loving my own team and Alek, my JC, is going to be absolutely phenomenal. Kai, meanwhile, is proving me with joyous moments I never expected to have. Greeting a student arriving at RYLA alongside my brother and getting to see him deliver a leadership speech to this conference that I love so much was such a special experience, I don’t even have enough words. Im so excited to see how the week progresses for our teams and for all the other conferees. RYLA is truly my bread and butter and the core of what I do and why Coddiwomple began so I’m eager to treasure every moment.