06/26/2026
Wednesday - Day 4 – The Final Day
The campers were as upbeat as ever at breakfast. It was incredible to see them interacting as though they had known each other for years, even though they had only met four days earlier. The friendships and bonds they formed throughout the week were truly remarkable.
The day began with an outstanding panel discussion featuring a nonprofit CEO, the Greensburg Museum curator, three local government officials, the new President of the Greensburg Rotary Club, and the President of Pitt-Greensburg. Campers asked thoughtful, in-depth questions on topics ranging from overcoming self-doubt to developing discipline and becoming stronger leaders.
Following the panel, campers returned to their counselor groups for a fun challenge: creating a skit that demonstrated one of the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Each group brought its own creativity and humor to the stage, leaving their fellow campers laughing throughout the performances.
Lunch was next, and once again the dining staff knocked it out of the park with another excellent meal.
After lunch, campers wrote thank-you cards to their sponsoring Rotary clubs and signed one another's team bandanas as keepsakes of the friendships they had built during the week.
One of the most meaningful moments of camp followed during the "Weights We Carry" activity. Campers were asked to write down burdens they had been carrying that were negatively affecting them, crumple the papers, and place them into a bucket as a symbolic act of letting go. Counselor Mallory led the activity with incredible compassion, humility, and kindness, creating a safe space that inspired several campers to openly share their personal struggles.
Next, the Pawsitive Impact Therapy Team visited RYLA, introducing the campers to their amazing therapy dogs. After a brief presentation, campers had the opportunity to meet, pet, and spend time with the dogs—a highlight of the afternoon for many.
Since everyone was already outside, it was the perfect time for the annual RYLA group photos. Gathered in front of the newly installed Peace Pole, campers, counselors, and each counselor group posed for photos before returning to their dorms to finish packing and turn in their room keys.
The final dinner together was bittersweet. It was inspiring to reflect on how much every camper had grown throughout the week, while also realizing that the RYLA experience was coming to an end. Before leaving the dining hall, the campers gave the outstanding kitchen staff a well-deserved standing ovation for taking such great care of everyone throughout the week.
Everyone then made their way to Ferguson Theatre for the Closing Ceremony. Pam welcomed incoming District Governor Michelle Petrell, who spoke about the importance of youth leadership and encouraged the campers to use what they had learned at RYLA to make a positive impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Each camper was then presented with a certificate recognizing their successful completion of RYLA.
Representatives from each counselor group shared heartfelt reflections about their week. Many spoke about how RYLA had completely changed their understanding of leadership, while one camper even shared a beautiful poem inspired by her experience.
The campers also voted on a variety of fun superlative awards, ranging from "Best RYLA Bromance" to "Best Unexpected Talent," bringing plenty of smiles and laughter to the ceremony.
One of the evening's biggest surprises came when the counselors themselves were recognized. Completely unexpected, each counselor received a Certificate of Appreciation and a Rotary bag in recognition of their dedication and contributions to making RYLA such a memorable experience.
Michael, Pam, Mr. Dougherty, and Mr. Barnhart were also recognized with Rotary bags and heartfelt rounds of applause for their countless hours of work and commitment to the success of RYLA. The evening concluded with the presentation of the counselor-voted awards.
As the ceremony came to a close, campers reunited with their families, gathered their belongings, and headed home.
While they left the campus behind, they carried with them something far more important—the friendships they forged, the confidence they discovered, and the lessons they learned about leadership and service.
Congratulations to the RYLA Class of 2026! We are proud to welcome you as our newest RYLA alumni and can't wait to see the positive impact you will make in your schools, communities, and throughout the world. Rotary's future is bright because of leaders like you.
