State Greenhand Leadership Conference
Early on the morning of June 27th, 13 of us woke up to make the trek to Hackensack for SGLC (State Greenhand Leadership Conference). Some of us had an interesting trip up with NEAR accidents, adventures to fix a watch, and several people even had a conversation with the police. Sunday was spent putting up decorations and preparing for the arrival of nearly 130 Greenhand members. Decorations included a giant milk cartoon and cereal box to fit the theme of "FFA: The Experience of Champions."Day 1 (Starting Your Day Right)
On Monday morning, members began to arrive and Deep Portage was rustling with excitement by noon. That afternoon we had a welcome with a skit from from the Region Presidents in which each of them dressed up as a character from a cereal box and Jason taught us about expectations/rules with a catchy song. "patty cake patty cake baker's man, lets make the week the best we can, pat it with respect, knead with E, conserve greatly, model it in, part-i-ci-pate, energy filled, keep this in mind for you and me" After the Deep Portage staff talked to us about their expectations, we started our first recreation time which occur every afternoon and evening while at camp. During recreation time we all have the opportunity to play in the volleyball tournament, climb the rock wall, go canoeing, go swimming, play basketball, or just walk around with friends. Rec time always goes by really fast and then it was time for flag lowering every night before supper. We had a session that included a technique of how to meet new people and some of the benefits/drawbacks of the meeting new people. The members had a chance to try out these new skills and meet some of their fellow campers by sharing their me-in-a-boxes (members bring several items that represent them in a box). After another rec time we had reflections from Hillary, Jared, Greg, and Liz. Their speeches covered how to start each day on the right note, staying positive, and making a conscious choice to make the best of every experience. Then we end every night with cabin chats. The first night we just went through our me-in-a-boxes with our rooms.
Day 2 (Choosing my Favorite Cereal- Personal Growth)
We started the second day with a flag raising ceremony just as we do every day. During breakfast a news crew came in every day to share the weather and sports in an entertaining fashion. After breakfast, there was a manners and etiquette session that covered items like how to fold your FFA jacket, proper OD, manners at the dinner table, and other general etiquette. Before lunch we had six different breakout sessions that covered FFA basics that the members went to. After lunch they chose two of the four breakout sessions on personal growth. During rec time the volleyball tournament began to heat up as we were entering the second round of the bracket. After flag lowering and another delicious meal provided by Deep Portage we had an awesome session of goal setting. The students had an opportunity to make some of their own goals after learning about SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely). Reflections were by Jason, Maddie, and Eric. They spoke about how person growth works, finding a personal mission and following it, and to use mistakes as opportunities. During cabin chats the officers got to switch rooms and learn some new faces.
Day 3 (The Right Ingredients- Career Success)
By the third day we could see all the members opening up and they were getting comfortable with all their new friends at camp. Morning festivities continued as usual before we got to the first session of SAE's. The members all filled out a project plans to start an SAE or what how they will be advancing one they already started. In the next session, the members took a look at agricultural education and what a total program is. Also, they wrote thank you notes to their ag teachers for all the work they have put in. That afternoon we had elections for the banquet committee. Around 40 members signed up to run for fifteen positions which was exciting to see. That night members chose to of the eight CDE breakout sessions to attend. During recreation we had watermelon feed and yet again the guy officers won the eating contest! Reflections were by me (Justin), Kirsten, Brittany, and Sabrina, who could not attend because of a band trip to Europe but she sent along a DVD to play. They were about learning from mistakes and being authentic. During cabin chats the guy and girl officers switched rooms to add an interesting twist.
Day 4 (Add a Little Sugar- Premier Leadership)
The first session of the day covered leadership. We worked on defining leadership and how each of us can be leaders. In addition, we broke into small groups and talked about mentors. Next we covered service learning including ways we can serve, who we serve, and barriers to be aware of when serving others. After lunch we had a friendly competition between all of the small groups that each of the officers lead throughout the weeks. It was a team scavenger hunt that consisted of clues leading to new team activities. It was the start of a big day! That night we had the banquet, talent show, and dance. Some highlights of the banquet included the two skits by the banquet committee, a speech by Amber Siebert, and the creed performed by Mallory Pagel. Scott Vogel won the talent show with his performance in which he played his Conciertina. That night Erin, Kelsey, Jeff had reflections. They challenged the members to make the extra effort each day to make a difference and to earn others' respect by being a positive leader.
Day 2 (Choosing my Favorite Cereal- Personal Growth)
We started the second day with a flag raising ceremony just as we do every day. During breakfast a news crew came in every day to share the weather and sports in an entertaining fashion. After breakfast, there was a manners and etiquette session that covered items like how to fold your FFA jacket, proper OD, manners at the dinner table, and other general etiquette. Before lunch we had six different breakout sessions that covered FFA basics that the members went to. After lunch they chose two of the four breakout sessions on personal growth. During rec time the volleyball tournament began to heat up as we were entering the second round of the bracket. After flag lowering and another delicious meal provided by Deep Portage we had an awesome session of goal setting. The students had an opportunity to make some of their own goals after learning about SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely). Reflections were by Jason, Maddie, and Eric. They spoke about how person growth works, finding a personal mission and following it, and to use mistakes as opportunities. During cabin chats the officers got to switch rooms and learn some new faces.
Day 3 (The Right Ingredients- Career Success)
By the third day we could see all the members opening up and they were getting comfortable with all their new friends at camp. Morning festivities continued as usual before we got to the first session of SAE's. The members all filled out a project plans to start an SAE or what how they will be advancing one they already started. In the next session, the members took a look at agricultural education and what a total program is. Also, they wrote thank you notes to their ag teachers for all the work they have put in. That afternoon we had elections for the banquet committee. Around 40 members signed up to run for fifteen positions which was exciting to see. That night members chose to of the eight CDE breakout sessions to attend. During recreation we had watermelon feed and yet again the guy officers won the eating contest! Reflections were by me (Justin), Kirsten, Brittany, and Sabrina, who could not attend because of a band trip to Europe but she sent along a DVD to play. They were about learning from mistakes and being authentic. During cabin chats the guy and girl officers switched rooms to add an interesting twist.
Day 4 (Add a Little Sugar- Premier Leadership)
The first session of the day covered leadership. We worked on defining leadership and how each of us can be leaders. In addition, we broke into small groups and talked about mentors. Next we covered service learning including ways we can serve, who we serve, and barriers to be aware of when serving others. After lunch we had a friendly competition between all of the small groups that each of the officers lead throughout the weeks. It was a team scavenger hunt that consisted of clues leading to new team activities. It was the start of a big day! That night we had the banquet, talent show, and dance. Some highlights of the banquet included the two skits by the banquet committee, a speech by Amber Siebert, and the creed performed by Mallory Pagel. Scott Vogel won the talent show with his performance in which he played his Conciertina. That night Erin, Kelsey, Jeff had reflections. They challenged the members to make the extra effort each day to make a difference and to earn others' respect by being a positive leader.
Day 5 (The Prize in the Box)
The last day came so fast and it is always tough to leave. Every member writes a letter to themselves that will sent to them in half a year. They also filled out evaluations of the camp. Then the campers make a circle for the officers to come around and say their goodbyes. After the adjournment, the campers head home and we were soon to follow. On behalf of all the officers, I would like to thank everyone who came to SGLC for making it an amazing week with a ton of memories. I hope you all are having an amazing time after camp and implement what you learned.
SLCCL in two days, I hope everyone coming is as excited as I am.
Stationed by the door,
Justin Crowley
No comments:
Post a Comment