Over the first weekend in May, District 7090’s next generation of leaders converged at Canterbury Hills in Ancaster, ON, for an intensive, high-energy weekend of growth, grit, and "Big Thinking."Our Jr. RYLArians didn't just participate; they immersed themselves in a leadership laboratory designed to reveal their unique strengths.
From Saturday's high ropes challenges to Sunday morning's "BIG Think" presentations, the energy remained at an all-time high.
Our participants explored the "Social Cheat Codes" of Dale Carnegie, practiced high-stakes communication, reflected through an Indigenous-led teaching and built a camp "lore" that will last a lifetime.
While every student demonstrated incredible growth, we were honoured to recognize four individuals who truly embodied the spirit of the weekend through the Kevin "Crouster" Award and the inaugural Fred Farnham Memorial Award.
These leaders didn't just lead from the front; they led with heart, humour, and a solution-first mindset.
Ben: Ben represents the power of "silent charge." While humble and soft-spoken, his impact was felt in every challenge. His peers noted his relentless work ethic, his willingness to volunteer for any task, and his ability to keep conversations and momentum going when things got tough. Ben is a prime example of a leader who leads by example and "takes charge" through consistency and kindness.
Divine: Divine brought a vibrant, "main character" energy to the camp that inspired everyone. Most notably, Divine demonstrated the ultimate leadership trait—courage—by facing a significant fear of heights on the high ropes course. By pushing through personal boundaries, Divine showed their peers what it looks like to take a chance. Energetic, inclusive, and always supportive of others, Divine was a true joy for the entire camp community.
The Fred Farnham Memorial Award: Recognizing students who bring a lighthearted, encouraging, and engaging spirit to the group. Each winner went home with a balloon animal-making kit to continue Fred's legacy.
Luca: Luca served as the "social glue" of the weekend. His peers nominated him for his infectious positivity and his unique ability to blend into any group and immediately elevate the mood. Whether through humour or genuine encouragement, Luca ensured that everyone around him was having fun and feeling involved. He embodies the idea that leadership is often about making the team better simply by being part of it.
Logan: Logan demonstrated a level of emotional intelligence well beyond his years. He was specifically highlighted for his ability to de-escalate stressful situations by finding common ground during team disagreements. His resilience in the face of "snags in the road" and his initiative to organize group activities on the very first night proved he is a leader who prioritizes the collective experience over his own.
We were also fortunate to have RYLA & Youth Exchange Alumni join us for the weekend as Cabin Leaders; an incredible show of the power and connection made through Youth Services programming in our District!
Dates for 2027 are to be determined - stay tuned!
