Craig Schneipp, our club's Youth Services Director, introduced the RYLA students and their families. To begin, the program students shared moving testimonials and talked about their experiences with Rotary’s Home Build Program in Tijuana. This year marked the 42nd home build for the club, and 25th personally for Craig. The trip, which took place due east of Otay Mesa, was a life- changing experience for both the families receiving homes and the students helping build them.
Zoe shared how she was so impressed by how a concrete slab turned into a full house in a single day, ending with handing the keys to a grateful family with whom she got to know and enjoy.
Cel Perez called the experience “life-changing” as well as surreal and reflected on the deep emotional impact of witnessing the difficult living conditions and how the kids were happy with the simple life they had and the ability to have a roof over their head by the end of the weekend.
Sofie remarked on the joy of transforming lives in just seven hours and seeing the family's excitement.
Stella described the powerful before-and-after transformation of the home she helped build. Meredith was struck by the harshness of their living conditions, seeing the family in a tent and how the build changed their lives and changed her perspective at home.
Luke remembered the vibrant colors of the neighborhood and the realization of their impact.
Julia spoke about how the trip reshaped her worldview, noting the closeness of such extreme poverty to their own lives.
Cashton, with four home builds under his belt, shared his growing understanding of global inequality and how he finds joy in helping.
Anya's, first experience with the home build and described the beautiful collaboration between diverse people and backgrounds —many not even speaking the same language—as a symbol of how the world should operate and come together.
The students also shared heartfelt reflections on their time at RYLA Camp, held in cold, wet weather with temperatures dropping to the 30s in the evenings. The camp’s theme, “Be Your Own Hero,” inspired students to reflect on leadership, vulnerability, and courage. Stella was inspired by a speaker who built schools in Afghanistan and learned that impacting just one life is enough and can make a big impact. Starfire Group members expressed how the camp pushed them to open up and grow. They learned that positivity and expressing vulnerability are true leadership qualities.
Luke emphasized that leadership takes courage and shared how his group opened up emotionally. His superpower being: courage.
Julia felt more confident engaging with unfamiliar people and found that she had more in common with others than expected. Her superpower: comfort with the unfamiliar.
Cashton described the “culture walk” as a deep bonding experience and came away feeling invincible and empowered.
Emery was initially skeptical but left with strong bonds and a renewed appreciation for loyalty and personal growth.
Adrian, whose sister had previously attended, said the camp was life changing. He shared that “the greatest emotion a human can feel is love,” which he named as his superpower.
Emery was initially skeptical but left with strong bonds and a renewed appreciation for loyalty and personal growth.
Adrian, whose sister had previously attended, said the camp was life changing. He shared that “the greatest emotion a human can feel is love,” which he named as his superpower.
Craig Schniepp noted that one particularly quiet member from the group was so inspired she plans to start an Interact Club at her school—proof of the ripple effects these programs can have.
Interact’s Upcoming and Ongoing Projects The Home Build Program remains a favorite among our members. Thank you to all who support it! Scholarship Announcements for the RYLA students was shared and encouraged. Craig also marked his 48 years of Rotary involvement, at the meeting which fittingly fell on his father’s birthday. Congratulations, Craig!
Interact’s Upcoming and Ongoing Projects The Home Build Program remains a favorite among our members. Thank you to all who support it! Scholarship Announcements for the RYLA students was shared and encouraged. Craig also marked his 48 years of Rotary involvement, at the meeting which fittingly fell on his father’s birthday. Congratulations, Craig!