Wednesday marked the first time I’ve forgotten/been unable to post since this blog started so here’s my recap of RYLA and the days after in it’s entirety.

RYLA led to many long nights after crazy busy days but I wouldn’t change the experience for anything. RYLA 2023 was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. I was blessed with an absolutely fabulous team and got to work alongside a Junior Counselor (JC) who could not have been a better partnership for me. I got to give a speech on the 4 Way Test that I was told people needed to hear. I got to see a group of fantastic young leaders grow and develop all of their skills and individuality.

On top of a JC who brought out my best and the young people we guided into becoming a mini family of better leaders, I was given the opportunity to serve the conference in a new capacity. As the “subject matter expert” for mental health and mandated reporting, I was able to guide other staff members through some of the tricky situations that arise when working with young people in a new, vulnerable, and exciting environment. I got to see several young leaders encounter and overcome unexpected obstacles and supporting them was an honor. It was very special to get to encourage and give love to so many people I adore.

I was also given the most incredible gift of being in one of my favorite places with one of my favorite people. In getting to serve alongside Kai, I got to see so much growth from him and love for him and it was perfection. I also got to grow closer to his girlfriend, Beau, who was also a counselor. My interactions with both of them were unexpected treasures this week that truly represented the icing on the cake.

I can’t say enough about the joys of this week in spite of some struggles that came alongside it. I am so happy and so honored to continue to be with this program year after year.

Today, I sent an email to my own Junior Counselor from years ago because I wanted her to know how much all of this has meant to me and how much her leadership influences me to this day.

Beyond RYLA, I’ve spent many hours catching up on sleep and tonight we belated got to celebrate my grandfather’s birthday. We’re also finalizing details for our next few journeys. I couldn’t be more happy with where life is right now.