The Impact of FFA Camp
By: Annabelle Carlisle
One of my favorite parts of being involved with Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) is having the opportunity to build relationships with students and future agriculturists through our partnership with Missouri FFA chapters.
Our program is focused on educating the next generation about the importance of agriculture and who grows their food, fiber, and fuel. Our program could not reach as many students across our state without the support and collaboration of Missouri FFA chapters. Their involvement in our program allows us to expand our impact and inspire more young people to learn about agriculture in fun and impactful ways.
One of my highlights from this summer internship program has been attending Camp Rising Sun at Lake of the Ozarks for FFA Camp. I love getting to meet new FFA members and share the mission of Ag Moves with students who are already passionate about agriculture. Once a week, for six weeks, one of our team members presents a workshop that introduces campers to our curriculum and explains how they can bring our lessons and activities to their schools and communities. I enjoy getting to hear their stories about teaching the curriculum, and the impact they have already made in their hometowns.
Watching FFA members get excited about the possibility of bringing Ag Moves into their school is one of the most rewarding parts of doing these workshops. Many of them ask questions about Ag Moves curriculum, activities, and how they can get involved. Watching their excitement for teaching is incredibly rewarding because I know the impact these students can have on the next generation of consumers and as leaders. It is encouraging that the partnership with Missouri FFA helps create not only new opportunities and experiences for the third graders Ag Moves is geared toward, but also for our high school FFA members as well.
Of course, camp is not all about presentations and discussions. Each week, FFA members get to participate in one of my favorite activities: Beef-O-Bingo. This activity brings laughter, excitement, and friendly competition to the workshop. It allows the campers to have fun with our activity before they teach the curriculum themselves. Watching members have fun playing a simple game reminds me that you don’t have to be serious all the time to have a lasting impact. When students are having fun and learning in interactive ways, those are the lessons that last the longest.
Overall, my experience at Missouri FFA Camp has enhanced my passion for Ag Moves and our partnership with Missouri FFA chapters. Every week reminded me of the importance of educating the next generation about the importance of agriculture, along with giving future leaders the platform to share their knowledge with others. I’m leaving my time at camp feeling inspired by the students, grateful for the connections I made, and excited to witness these students’ impacts on their homes, schools, and communities!