FFA Students from Valdosta High School Attend Summer Leadership Camp

Staff Report

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022

This summer 8 students from Valdosta High School FFA attended a Summer Leadership Camp (SLC) at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, on the banks of Jackson Lake. Summer Leadership Camp is open to FFA and FCCLA students from all over the state of Georgia.

Mr. Jesse Boland & Ms. Vyctoria Solomon 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 of course 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 fun camp activities such as a blob and swimming. The last day of camp is highlighted by one final team event – the mud course!

The theme of Summer Leadership Camp this year was BUILD YOUR LEGACY. “Every year, think about who you are now, and who you want to be remembered as later. This is your legacy. Start building it.” The theme was inspired by the Center’s historical 85th year, since its initial establishment in 1937. Through this theme, we hope campers recognize that a legacy is not leaving something for people, but rather leaving something in people.

“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 their lives,” says Russel Towns, Camp Manager.

The students from Valdosta High FFA chapter attending camp included: Ethan Mac Garrison, Sam Brock, Frank Soriano, Destiny Durr, Jasmine Gray, Beau Hicks, Eryn Wilson, & Zytiana Dailey.

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 42,000 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.