Camp RYLA…two words that bring much joy and many memories to almost two decades worth of staff and alumni, and simultaneously bring a smashing headache to most of our friends and family (or am I the only one who still annoys my loved ones with RYLA stories?). Friends, that special time of the year has come. RYLA is upon us!
Looking back over the last few years, I can think of a few vital updates to share with both our estranged and active alumni. First of all, since 2004, camp has been held at Camp Hoblitzelle, a Salvation Army camp near Midlothian. As Dana Mackison always says, “This is the country club of camps!” It’s a beautiful campus, complete with a fabrica—I mean, suspected—creature living in the lake. That’s right, step aside Mr. Loch Ness Monster, we may or may not have an alligator on our hands (which may or may not look suspiciously similar to our very own Sly Majid).
Remember the infamous egg-drop, and how suave and debonair Mark Healy looked in his egg-o-naut suit? Well, the buck has been passed…and it stopped at Steve Melton!…but not for too long. Steve relinquished his egg-o-naut privileges and responsibilities to Sly just a few summers ago. N’er fear, dear RYLArians, Sly has accepted the charge and moves forward with vigor and vision NASA would be lucky to have.
Additionally, the yellow glow that has emanated from our campground for the past six-plus years will shine no more. The bright-yellow backpacks of years past have been handed their walking papers, and our new recruits are marching in, red and ready! The design remains true, as a one-strap backpack, but the Advisory Board has spoken, and lilac embroidery will now accent a fire-engine red bag. Wreck ‘em Tech, right Beth?
Camp RYLA 2009 promises to be the best year yet. With more alumni serving as counselors than ever before (right alongside our dedicated lineup of non-alumni seasoned counselors) and a fabulous showing from our new AC’s, this year’s campers are set up for an incredible, life-changing week. If you are not able to attend camp this year, we will miss you, but know that many, if not most, of the past 19 years of campers will be represented in the alumni staff, and each will hold a special place in their heart for their class of campers.
So, looking back, we see many seasons of success and encouragement, and looking forward, we hear Mark yelling, “REACH FOR THE FUTURE!”
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