This week’s speaker is Keenan Mayfield, Vice President of Operations at Sub Sea Systems, where his role helps turn big, creative underwater ideas into experiences guests can actually enjoy. Keenan comes from a passionate family of doers. Together, they dream, develop, and deliver some of the most unique and revolutionary immersive experiences in the world. With sustainability at their core, they strive to introduce multiple generations of families to the beauty of our oceans through unique and memorable experiences.

Founded in 1985, Sub Sea Systems is a multigenerational, family-owned underwater entertainment company based in Diamond Springs that brings innovative aquatic attractions to guests around the world. Its signature attractions range from underwater helmet diving (Sea TREK) to a themed underwater driving experience (Aquaticar), as well as the SolarCat, an eco-friendly, solar-electric way to enjoy the open water. The company focuses on making aquatic adventures engaging, safe, and memorable for all ages.

El Dorado Hills Rotarian Wayne Lowery told our members at last week’s meeting that Keenan’s presentation was the best he has heard in his more than 30 years in Rotary. With an endorsement like that, this is definitely a meeting you won’t want to miss!

President Dan Gott began his first meeting by thanking members for the opportunity to serve as president, while acknowledging that he will need everyone’s help to make the coming Rotary year successful. He then outlined three primary areas of focus for the year: youth programs, membership, and projects.

Youth Programs: Dan emphasized the importance of continuing the club’s strong support of youth programs, including RYLA, REGL, scholarships, and other opportunities for young people. As Don Fuller transitions into additional District responsibilities, Kathy Thompson will assist with some of the duties Don has handled in the past.

Membership: Increasing membership remains another priority. Dan said he would like the club to continue building on the progress made in previous years. Adam Marshall is leading the effort and has already reached out to dozens of people, with several prospective members showing interest. Dan said he knows the membership effort is in good hands.

Projects: Dan would also like to take the club’s service projects to another level. While members have completed a number of park and community improvement projects in recent years, it has been 20 years since the club undertook a major project such as the Community Observatory. Dan would like the club to begin thinking about another significant project utilizing RI matching funds. It may not happen this year, he said, but this could be the year to begin planning for the future.

He would also like to strengthen the club’s partnership with the Cameron Park Community Services District and find additional ways to put the club’s resources to work in the community. On a smaller scale, Dan is seeking volunteers to help improve the baseball dugouts at Ponderosa High School’s Sargent Field, named in honor of former principal and current Rotarian Dave Sargent.

Dan identified several immediate areas where members are needed to step up. With Don Fuller focusing more of his time on District activities, someone is needed to take over his responsibilities for contracts associated with the fair and ABC licenses. The duties arise only periodically but are important to the success of the club’s fundraising activities. A deputy treasurer is also needed to assist Shawn Khales and begin training as Shawn will soon need to focus on preparing for his role as club president next year.  If you are willing to serve on the board during his term, please let Shawn know.  In addition, Laurie Edwards is seeking someone to take over as bulletin editor.

Dan encouraged members who would like to become more involved in any area of the club to let him know. Tell him what you are passionate about, he said, and he will help find a place where you can contribute.

Dan concluded by emphasizing that the Rotary Club of Cameron Park is a very successful club and that he is excited about the year ahead. With many activities and projects underway at the same time, greater member involvement will be important to keeping that success going.

Area 6 Governor Don Fuller introduced Jimena M., vice president of this year's Interact Club and one of two students sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cameron Park to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp in Portola. RYLA is Rotary’s premier youth leadership program, bringing together high school students for an immersive week focused on leadership development, teamwork, communication, and personal growth.

Jimena thanked the club for sponsoring her and described the personal growth she experienced during the week, including overcoming her fear of talking to new people, stepping outside her comfort zone, and developing positive new habits.

Jimena said RYLA was a life-changing experience and helped her become a new person. Before attending camp, she felt she was reading some difficult chapters of her life. Through the lessons and experiences at RYLA, she learned that she could “turn the pages,” leave those chapters behind, and discover new parts of herself. One particularly meaningful service project was building bicycles for children from low-income families.

As the week came to a close, Jimena reflected on the many lessons she had learned and the words printed on the back of the shirt each participant received at the beginning of camp: “Service Above Self.”