Amid fevered discussion about the future of New Mexico FFA Leadership Camp in the wake of this summer’s four-day event, state FFA leader Gary Aycock sent a letter to New Mexico FFA Advisors addressing the issue publicly for the first time. The letter, released July 10 through the through the organization’s listserv, affirmed what he had told AGDAILY in a recent article — that the camp is not closing. Aycock said that rumors about the camp’s closure are “unfounded and incorrect.”
Additionally, Aycock, who is Supervisor of Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor at New Mexico State University, contacted AGDAILY directly after the letter was released to say that his office had no further comments.
This confirmation brings relief to the FFA community, shifting the conversation among past officers to exploring ways to support the beloved camp that has contributed significantly to previous membership.
With about 120 to 150 members attending the camp annually, the adamant support voiced by previous attendees highlights how these camp experiences have helped mold future leaders in agriculture and beyond. The camp’s impact is evident, with many former members testifying to its role in their personal and professional development.
For New Mexico FFA members, the state’s leadership camp is a proud tradition and a highly anticipated, life-changing event that attendees speak about even years later. It’s the reason why concerns over the camp’s viability hit the FFA community hard.
New Mexico’s FFA camp is structured a little differently than in other states. While Georgia, for example, with its 81,000 FFA members, holds a summer camp that welcomes about 2,500 members with the goal of connecting advisors to students, the camp in New Mexico focuses on connecting FFA members to other members from around the state and to FFA state officers. This personal connection is crucial in New Mexico, a state known for its vast rural areas and low population density of only 17 people per square mile, compared to the U.S. average of 87.
For rural students, meeting leaders in FFA during camp offers numerous benefits. They can build valuable connections with peers and mentors who share their interests in agriculture, helping them expand their professional networks and future career opportunities. Interacting with FFA state officers and other leaders provides students with role models and inspiration, showing them the possibilities within the organization and beyond. As prior state officers expressed, camp is one of the first places that members are able to interact with officers on a personal level.
Camp activities and workshops are designed to enhance leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, which are essential for both personal and professional growth. By meeting students from different backgrounds and regions, rural students gain new perspectives and ideas, fostering a more diverse and inclusive agricultural community.
The camp’s supportive environment helps students build confidence in their abilities and encourages them to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities. Additionally, the connections made at camp often turn into lifelong friendships, providing a support system and network that extends well beyond the camp experience.
With Aycock’s confirmation that the camp will continue, the focus now shifts to ensuring its sustainability and enhancing its impact on future FFA members. The New Mexico FFA Leadership Camp will continue to be a place where young leaders can grow, connect, and be inspired for decades to come.
