This summer 13 students from Long County High School attended a Summer Leadership Camp (SLC) at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, on the banks of Lake Jackson. Summer Leadership Camp is open to FFA and FCCLA students from across Georgia.
FFA Advisors Helen Young and Amy Swindell took the group for a week of camp where they participated in a leadership program designed to build relationships, develop teamwork and leadership attributes, and have a great time. They competed in team competitions such as softball and volleyball, and they also competed in individual events such as ping pong, cornhole, tennis, speech contest, and an essay contest. There were many camp activities such as a blob, swimming, horseback riding, and nightly dances. The last day of camp is highlighted by the students running through a muddy obstacle course.
The theme of Summer Leadership Camp this year was about focus. Students were told: “What you focus on is what becomes powerful. Pay attention to your thoughts because they shape your life. Be deliberate about who you spend time with and what you do. Shift your attention from the things that make you unhappy to things that bring you joy and success.”
“Summer Leadership Camp is a unique experience for students that is full of memorable activities and real leadership development. One of the best aspects of camp is that some of the best teachers in the state spend a week with these students and truly invest in them to make a difference in lives,” said Camp Manager Russel Towns.
“The opportunities at SLC are endless. It gives all students the ability to grow their social skills, as well as great memories that will last a lifetime,” Colton Peacock said.
The students from Long County High School FFA chapter attending camp included: Sarah Pollock, Rachael Spencer, Christina Stone, Rebecca Lust, Victoria Fentress, Hailey Surzinski, Shawn Schulte, Colton Peacock, Jacob Skaggs, Zachary Burris, Nathan Harmon, Daniel Driggers, and Nathan Trinidad.
About FFA: Founded in 1928, the former “Future Farmers of America” brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. The name of the organization was changed to the National FFA Organization in 1988 to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture. Georgia FFA is the 3rd largest state association in the nation with more than 44,000 members. There are 342 FFA Chapters and more than 475 agricultural education teachers in Georgia.
The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education.