As the summer season approaches its end, one might envision lazy days, hanging out with friends, and soaking up the sun. Especially after months of nonstop schoolwork. However, for young members of organizations like 4-H or FFA, summer doesn’t translate to relaxation.
Instead, it heralds a whirlwind of activities. From livestock projects to regional shows, junior nationals, and state fairs, their schedules brim with commitments. Even those not involved in livestock projects find themselves engrossed in state conventions, leadership trainings, and competitions.
Even while on summer vacation, members can embrace the ethos of the FFA motto and seize every opportunity available outside of school.
Learning to do
Education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Join forces with fellow FFA members to embark on a summer of continuous learning.
- Organize inter-chapter activities that promote skill-building and knowledge acquisition.
- Connect with your community, and create educational reels or videos to expand your understanding of the agriculture industry, and then share with others.
- Consider meeting up with library partners to help with a summer reading group, and look at opportunities to learn more about industries and issues by reading about topics with your peers.
- Explore documentaries about environmental, agricultural, and food issues.
With a plethora of opportunities at your disposal, make the most of your summer break by nurturing your intellectual curiosity and staying engaged in educational pursuits.
Doing to learn
Looking to stay in touch with your FFA peers over the summer? Explore shared activities and embark on a journey of skill-building.
- Dedicate time to assist classmates with their supervised agricultural experiences, fostering camaraderie while honing your expertise.
- Alternatively, enroll in a hobby floral design course at the nearby gardening center, embracing the opportunity to cultivate new talents together.
- Pair up with a tradesman and complete a project that benefits your chapter or your community and helps you build on or learn a new skill.
These experiences promise to forge lasting memories that extend far beyond the summer months, offering the chance to acquire valuable skills along the way.
Earning to live
Summer vacation presents an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in real-world experiences. While some FFA members opt for summer jobs or farm work, there are diverse avenues for hands-on learning.
- Consider contributing to a research program at a nearby university or Extension office to broaden your horizons.
- With SAE encompassing various activities, seize this time to delve deeper into your projects and put your classroom knowledge into practice.
- Assist agricultural educators or extension agents with educational programs, workshops, or events, gaining valuable teaching and leadership experience.
- Think about working as event staff for your county or state fair or other events in your area, assisting with tasks such as setup, serving, or cleanup.
Living to serve
Adding volunteering to your summer plans is not only a boon for your local community but also a great way to boost your own well-being. Research indicates that volunteering can reduce stress and elevate happiness levels.
Whether it’s mentoring younger students, assisting at a local food bank, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts, there are endless ways to make a positive difference.
So, find what moves you to give back and dive in! Your potential to create meaningful change knows no bounds.
