More than 60 students from high schools in Rotary District 6220, Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, recently attended a three-day leadership training opportunity that focuses on the personal and professional development of high school students.

The conference was held at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Boulder Junction. This was the 11th year of the conference conducted by Rotarians and student facilitators from throughout the district.

The four sophomore and junior SPASH students were sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Stevens Point and Greater Portage County. They were selected for their demonstrated leadership potential. The conference focused on developing as well as honing leadership skills, concepts and metaphors explored through participatory outdoor-based activities that include trust-building exercise, problem-solving initiatives and low- and high-challenge course experiences.

The conference is built on the axiom that "strong leaders are made, not born." Leadership principles are learned not inherited. RYLA conference participants, the "leaders of tomorrow," deserve the opportunity to be exposed to many facets of leadership. The RYLA conference provides an enjoyable and valuable experience for those who choose to meet the challenge.

Conferees learn about Rotary -- the first and largest worldwide service organization whose membership consists of business and professional men and women dedicated to the concept of "Service Above Self." Rotarians are committed to developing tomorrow's leaders. There are more than 1.2 million members of Rotary International in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

To participate in a RYLA conference, interested young people must first submit an application for participation and, if asked, participate in an informal interview. Young people are ultimately selected to participate in the conference based on the strength of their application and interview and the degree to which they would benefit from the leadership development experience.

Contributed by Dick Judy, Rotary Club of Stevens Point.