Three Rockwall High School students embark on a life-changing camp experience

Camp RYLA participants, Libby Cheek, Luke Barksdale, and Kaylen Pruitt, shown with Rockwall Noon Rotary Club president, Kenda Culpepper, share their experiences at a recent Rotary meeting. Photo by BRN Media.

Rockwall, TX (July 17, 2025) – Three Rockwall High School students, Luke Barksdale, Libby Cheek, and Kaylen Pruitt, sponsored by the Rockwall Noon Rotary recently ventured into summer camp with excitement while somewhat unsure of what was to come. This camp, often described as intense, is more than just fun – it is fun with the important purpose of cultivating leadership.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp is a 5-day camp bringing together exceptional students for the purpose of developing leadership skills in youth. Through planned activities, campers are encouraged to learn more about themselves and others, assess strengths and weaknesses, and discover new ways to overcome challenges.From their first arrival, campers are pushed outside their comfort zones. In a fast-paced and overwhelming entry, they are introduced to cabin mates, assigned committees and jobs, and begin what is sure to be a life-changing week.

Each day begins with exercise, followed by coordinated activities. Whether in a team-building challenge, learning about communication and personality styles, or participating in friendly competition, the demanding pace is all part of the adventure.While the activities and events are well planned and coordinated, the experience each camper has and what they gain is unique to themselves. As each activity concludes, counselors are ready with thought-provoking questions to compel the campers to think deeper – exploring what went right, what they could have done better, and what they learned.

For Luke, Camp RYLA left a lasting impression – feeling inspired, more positive, and excited about trying new experiences.Kaylen Pruitt, daughter of former Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt and Criminal District Attorney Kenda Culpepper (who graduated from Rockwall High School while at camp), spent her second year at camp. This time, however, in a new role – that of Camp Counselor.

Finding the counselor role to be more stressful than expected, Kaylen says she grew even more in overcoming challenges. She also found support in fellow counselors as they discussed how to resolve problems they encountered. Adding with relief, she “found it interesting that campers rarely realized that something had gone wrong.”Following their first experience, Luke and Libby wholeheartedly agree – Camp RYLA is challenging but also very uplifting! Libby found everyone to be “very genuine and encouraging, supporting each other, and cheering them on.” She also found a potential college roommate!Participants, campers and counselors alike, leave exhausted but empowered with better communication skills, understanding of themselves, and how to rise to the challenges of life. They also leave with strong connections, lasting friendships with a shared bond, and great memories.Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Courtesy photos.

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