Jefferson FFA Chapter Officers Build Team-work and Leadership Skills
The 2014-2015 Jefferson Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter Officer Team spent four days and three nights in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Canaan Valley Region of West Virginia preparing themselves for the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of serving their fellow members in a leadership capacity.
The officer team, composed of Chapter President Katelynn Buffington, Vice President Emily Foote, Secretary Madison Quinn, Treasurer Brittany Tomlin, Reporter Cristian Davis, Sentinel Caroline Hayden, and Parliamentarian Elizabeth Hayden spent their time at the retreat engaged in learning activities geared towards building teamwork, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, the group established chapter and individual goals that will guide their leadership team throughout the year.
The highlights of the retreat included a visit from the West Virginia FFA Advisor Mr. Jason Hughes. Mr. Hughes presented a workshop on group dynamics the characteristics of successful teams as well as the service that each member can bring to the chapter and community.
Although the retreat focused on the leadership skills needed to serve the FFA Chapter, the officer team was also able to participate in some fun team building activities including white-water rafting on the Cheat River as well as a few paintball matches in Preston County. Additionally, the group made stops as Blackwater Falls State Park and Spruce Knob Recreational Area.
The FFA is a national organization dedicated to preparing student members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Local, state and national activities and award programs provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills acquired through agriculture education. The Jefferson FFA Chapter is one of the largest local chapters in West Virginia and represents the best of today’s youth.