State Greenhand Leadership ConferenceDeep Portage, Hackensack, MNJune 23-27, 2008State Greenhand Leadership Conference has been my favorite activity since being a Greenhand, I can honestly say this is event that started the fire inside me, a fire of passion and hard work for the FFA however, now after reliving it as a State Officer, I can honestly say that it is the most essential thing FFA members can do in FFA to develop their passion for this organization.Arriving in Deep Portage on Sunday, it felt right like home, walking through those doors entering the Great Hall brought back so many memories! The Deep Portage Staff was so welcoming and helpful with everything we needed! We are so grateful that they let us use their great facility, I hope we can continue our friendship for many years to come! Sunday was the day of setup. Hanging decorations, installing our “fake” FFA wall, and setting up tables and chairs for 150 campers was a work in progress. However, once it was finished, we were able to look back on all we had accomplished and know that the campers were in for a fantastic week of “Going for the Gold!" That night, each of the SOs got together with their presentation partners and finalized preparations for the sessions later that week.10:00 AM Monday morning, and Greenhand Camp was well on its way with 150 campers from across the state of Minnesota all arriving in Hackensack, Minnesota for a week of leadership, friendship, and fun! Lunch started at noon and the afternoon brought the beginning of the sessions of SGLC!
It was amazing to watch each camper grow as the week went on, all arriving to camp as strangers and by the end of the week becoming friends. I would have to say one of the most memorable moments from camp was cabin chats! Justin and I got to chat with a few cabins of girls and boy was it a boat load of fun and laughs, leaving them for the night singing “She’s lost that love & feeling” and receiving a “Goodnight Pete & Justin we love you” just puts a smile on my face. J Being a part of the Umpas my small group, this group of campers was amazing! Making our way to the volleyball championship was so thrilling. Even though we fell short to Jake’s team we put up a fight and made them earn it!
Between rock climbing, volleyball, canoeing, and playing football, the campers were able to bond and meet new members from different chapters across the state. The best part for me as a State Officer was seeing the friendships that formed throughout the week at Greenhand Camp. Members who had never met before Monday, at the end of the week were promising that they would be friends for life; and I could see that just from being around them. The talent show and dance on Thursday night were highlights for many, and saying goodbyes on Friday had never been harder.
It is incredible to see how members are at the begging of the week, and how they have changed by the end of camp. Most of the kids the first day are ready to go home, and on Friday not one of them wanting to return home. Also once everyone is home you can tell they miss camp and their new friends just by their facebook status.
Thanks you MN FFA and MN FFA members who attended this conference, these are memories I will never forget.
It was amazing to watch each camper grow as the week went on, all arriving to camp as strangers and by the end of the week becoming friends. I would have to say one of the most memorable moments from camp was cabin chats! Justin and I got to chat with a few cabins of girls and boy was it a boat load of fun and laughs, leaving them for the night singing “She’s lost that love & feeling” and receiving a “Goodnight Pete & Justin we love you” just puts a smile on my face. J Being a part of the Umpas my small group, this group of campers was amazing! Making our way to the volleyball championship was so thrilling. Even though we fell short to Jake’s team we put up a fight and made them earn it!
Between rock climbing, volleyball, canoeing, and playing football, the campers were able to bond and meet new members from different chapters across the state. The best part for me as a State Officer was seeing the friendships that formed throughout the week at Greenhand Camp. Members who had never met before Monday, at the end of the week were promising that they would be friends for life; and I could see that just from being around them. The talent show and dance on Thursday night were highlights for many, and saying goodbyes on Friday had never been harder.
It is incredible to see how members are at the begging of the week, and how they have changed by the end of camp. Most of the kids the first day are ready to go home, and on Friday not one of them wanting to return home. Also once everyone is home you can tell they miss camp and their new friends just by their facebook status.
Thanks you MN FFA and MN FFA members who attended this conference, these are memories I will never forget.
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