Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Rotarian Martha Richardson (RYLA Coordinator), and rotary guest speakers Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore sent four students to RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, in Ojai, April 11-14. The students who attended were Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez. There were 230 students in attendance, and they were divided into groups with all new people. The girls said it was intimidating at first, but by the end they had all new friends. They were put in many situations that forced them out of their comfort zone, such as the ropes course in the rain, but the result was more new friends and skills and ideas that they will take into the future. They also talked about the terrific speakers who totally changed their perspective on things and one who really opened their eyes to all the challenges people may be facing that you don’t even realize. They all agreed that RYLA camp changed their lives, and the experience will remain with them for the rest of their lives.