The Waseca Rotary Club is proud to recognize local student Ty Krautkremer for his participation in the Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a five-day leadership camp held at St. Croix YMCA Camp in Hudson Wisconsin. The camp brings together approximately 80 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Minnesota and Wisconsin to develop leadership and personal growth skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
WASECA, MN — The Waseca Rotary Club is proud to recognize local student Ty Krautkremer for his participation in the Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a five-day leadership camp held at St. Croix YMCA Camp in Hudson Wisconsin. The camp brings together approximately 80 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Minnesota and Wisconsin to develop leadership and personal growth skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Campers are divided into color groups and immersed in a variety of experiences, including guest speakers, team-building exercises, physical challenges, and collaborative group projects. The program emphasizes not only leadership development but also the importance of followership and working effectively within a team.
For Ty, the experience was both exciting and transformative.
“I didn’t really know what to expect going in,” said Krautkremer. “I’m a little more introverted, so being placed in a group of strangers pushed me outside my comfort zone right away. But it ended up being one of the best parts of the experience.”
Ty embraced opportunities that challenged him socially and physically, including participating in a camp skit and tackling the rock-climbing wall. One moment, in particular, stood out. “When I was on the climbing wall, about 20 feet up,” he shared. “Hearing my team cheering me on below made all the difference, having the support of those around you really helps you go further”
Also attending Camp RYLA this year was Ann Staloch, a member of the Rotary International through the Waseca Club, who served as an Adult Counselor. This marked her third year in the role, and the experience holds special meaning for her.
“This camp enhanced my life when I attended as a student back in the late 1900’s,” said Staloch. “To come back as a counselor and help guide the next generation of leaders is incredibly rewarding. Seeing students like Ty grow in confidence and connection over just a few days is what RYLA is all about.”
Due to the structure of the camp, counselors and campers often spend most of their time within their assigned groups. Ty and Ann only exchanged smiles in passing throughout the week, a testament to how fully immersed participants are in their individual group experiences.
The Waseca Rotary Club offers a full sponsors one student each year to attend Camp RYLA, reinforcing its commitment to investing in youth leadership development. Ty strongly encourages other students to consider the opportunity. “I would absolutely recommend this camp to anyone,” he said. “You grow a lot, meet great people, and have a ton of fun doing it.”
For more information about Camp RYLA or how to apply for future sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Waseca Rotary Club
