Have you ever tried to describe to someone what exactly it is that makes RYLA so special, so different from all of the other leadership programs out there? I certainly have and while there are definitely distinctive points that can be made, I usually have to just end the conversation with something along the lines of “you would have to experience it to understand it.” I believe in large part that this is true because along with all of the many little things that make RYLA so special, Mark Healy and Dana Mackison are such a huge part of RYLA and these two are definitely men that need to be experienced, and I am very grateful to have had the privilege.
Mark and Dana started RYLA back in 1990 as a much smaller camp than exists today and one that only included boys. While this first camp was a true success, Mark and Dana were not satisfied with only having a great camp and have spent every year since then improving and modifying in their quest to create a perfect camp. They have both devoted countless hours to planning, designing, and preparing for camp each year, drawing in large part on Dana’s vast experience with the Boy Scouts of America. Furthermore, both have attended a vast number of Rotary meetings over the years in an effort to make RYLA a top priority not only for District 5810, but in Rotary Districts all over the world. In addition Mark has gone on to spread his and Dana’s map for successful Camp RYLAs to the world by becoming the Chairman of International Rotary Youth Leadership, as well as holding various other top RI offices including Assistant General Coordinator-Youth Services Group.
However, while we are certainly all lucky to have been able to attend a RYLA that was founded and run by such talented and devoted men and are all better people for the experience, the true difference that makes Camp RYLA 5810 so special is the way in which Mark and Dana do all of the things that they so selflessly do for RYLA and all of us. Both Mark and Dana approach RYLA with everything they have, an intensity and devotion that are both inspirational and contagious, and this also applies to anyone that has gone through RYLA. Their commitment to both RYLA and everyone involved in it is the base that this amazing, unexplainable, crazy extended family is founded on. This is that quality about RYLA that is so hard to explain to others. While it would be fairly straight forward and impressive to outline all of the progress and achievements that Mark and Dana have accomplished over the last twenty years with RYLA, it is the family they have built that is most special. And the love that exists within this family is the kind of love that calls each of us to put others first and give willingly and abundantly of time and effort, both to each other and the various causes that we serve. This is the aspect of Camp RYLA that can never be described fully enough, but can only really be experienced. It has always been my favorite part of RYLA, the part that brings me back every year, and the part that I most closely associate with Mark and Dana. Thank you both so much having the vision and determination to create something that has had such a huge impact on my life, and even more so thank you for all the love and support that you have both shown me over the last six years. I feel sure that every person that has gone through RYLA or been fortunate enough to be involved in any way feels the same way.
By Blake Martin
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Dana, Mark, RYLA
