We had about 30 attendees including guests Copelan Manzer,Jessica Tsang and Sheila Tyminski.
President Chris asked Linda to the podium to be presented with her Paul Harris Four Award. She was also recognized for being a Polio Plus Society Member.
Also recognized for Polio Plus Society were Philippa Gear and Chris Beck.
Barbie Hames next thanked club members that attended the Robbie Burns function in Okotoks (See story below).
She asked club members to participate in the Millarville Skijor Event on Saturday, February 7th which she describes as Redneck Alberta meets the polo club. Meet-up at the beer tent.
Don Beavis was next introduced by Drew to speak about his leadership with RAYEC.
He explained the history and structure of RAYEC, a youth entrepreneurship camp partnership between Community Futures Organization and Rotary District 5360. The camp, which runs August 9-15, hosts 60 campers and 10 youth leaders from Southern Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan, offering business training and leadership development. The program includes comprehensive business education, real-world banking experiences, and leadership training through professional coaching, with youth leaders receiving additional pre-camp training and ongoing support during the camp.
Youth Business Camp Activities Overview
Don described the structure and activities of a business camp for youth, including daily schedules from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, which include business modules, recreational activities, and team-building exercises. Participants engage in learning modules on business ideas, customer focus, structures, and marketing, with time allocated for working on business plans. Recreational activities include a Burma rope bridge, zip-lining, climbing wall, archery, paintball and swimming, while evenings feature icebreakers and a campfire. The camp aims to teach entrepreneurship and foster teamwork among participants.
Youth Business Camp Experience
The students develop and present business plans, receive loans of $300-500 from Servus Credit Union bankers, and then purchase supplies to create and sell products. The camp includes activities like the Lemonade Game, where teams create and market lemonade stands to win extra money , and concludes with a talent show and dance. The camp operates at Eagles Nest Ranch, which has limited Wi-Fi access. Don mentioned the advantage of no cell service at the site as it helps at keeping the campers focused.
The campers then set up booths to sell products they create, with parents (potential buyers) attending and they are provided lunch. An awards ceremony is held at the end of the camp, and the experience aims to teach teamwork, leadership, and business skills. Campers average about $60.00 for take home profit.
Don encouraged club members to support the camp through sponsorship, donations, or volunteering as adult mentors, noting that Community Futures has provided more volunteers than Rotary. Funding is tight and all efforts are pursued to secure a future for this unique program.
Don explained that volunteers must complete police checks and Rotary training, and shared past successful participant projects like dirty sodas and wooden crib boards. The group addressed financial challenges, noting that while Community Futures provides steady funding, Rotary's contribution has declined. Rick Istead and Don are working to secure commitments by April 15th, with plans to approach Rotary clubs and local businesses for support. The conversation ended with praise for Don's leadership and dedication to the program from Dan Doherty and a donation in his name for ShelterBox.
Note – Donations can be made via rccw.donations@gmail.comMake sure that you designate RAYEC in your e-transfer, donations $25.00 and over will receive tax receipts.
Ukraine Relief Generator Fundraiser
Guest Sheila Tyminski, from the Rotary Club of Heritage Park Club,presented an update on a Ukraine relief effort, highlighting the need for generators to provide power to homes and bomb shelters. She explained that each $500 US generator, built in Germany and distributed through Swedish Rotary Clubs, helps support families, particularly those who have taken in internally displaced persons. The district has already raised over $70,000 US towards a $100,000 goal, with a fundraising event featuring Ukrainian opera singers scheduled for February 7th at Cardell Place.
President Chris concluded the meeting with a quote for the week “Every great leader was once a dreamer that dare to act”. He quickly followed that up with a Dad joke: It's not easy being a mom. Otherwise Dads would do it!
