The 2015-2016 Jefferson FFA Chapter Officer Team spent five days and four 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 MaKenzie Ring, Vice President Mikayla Hargis, Secretary Katelyn Duncan, Treasurer McKayla Dodson, Reporter Kristian Davis, Sentinel Chris Daniel, and Parliamentarian Emily Foote spent their time at the retreat engaged in learning activities geared towards building teamwork, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills. Officers also spent time creating the Chapter Program of Activities (POA); the POA consists of an outline of activities that the chapter plans for the year and reflects the interests, needs and desires of the chapter members. 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 team dynamics and the characteristics of successful teams. Additionally, the group made the climb to the top of one of West Virginia’s most famous natural landmarks, Seneca Rocks. The officer group also enjoyed the recreational aspects of the state with a canopy tour at NRocks Outdoor Adventures in Circleville.

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.