Incoming high school sophomores were treated to a variety of events at this year's Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp last week at Camp Child.

The program is offered to youths who have completed applications and interviews, with winners being selected based on community service, scholastic achievement and overall community participation.

The campers spent five days at Camp Child near Elliston learning leadership skills.

This year the campers were treated to a drug prevention presentation by members of the Montana National Guard, who arrived in a helicopter. Montana Highway Patrol officers discussed driving safety. A representative of Carroll College provided information on higher education and Critter Man showed up for a rousing demonstration of Montana's flora and fauna.

Andy Riordan, a high school student in Helena, attended in 2006 as a camper and returned in 2007 as a junior counselor.

He said it was a great experience.

"I met students from all over Montana," Riordan said. "We attended helpful seminars and workshops regarding the leadership process. This year when I returned, we had the same core group from 2006. We had already bonded and had the experience of leading the seminars. It was a wonderful experience in learning leadership skills.

"The best part was the fun we had."

Camp Child is a facility near Elliston and the Helena Rotary Club serves as the host.

Activity sessions include speakers presenting concepts of leadership and allow the young people to develop and use some of the leadership skills that are presented.

Past RYLA camps have been a great experience for both the campers and staff. Janet Hedges of Helena is the District RYLA chairperson, Bob Throssell is the program director and Tyler Wright is the camp director.