The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter recently arrived back home from their exciting Leadership Conference 212/360 in southern Idaho.
The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter went down to Boise Sunday morning and came back Tuesday night with new thoughts of positive influence fresh in their minds. All of the FFA members had a good time meeting new people from across Idaho and engaging in different activities with each other.
The first night on the road they stayed in McCall at a large rental home a half-hour away from Boise and the second night they stayed at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. Everyone from the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter agreed that the rental house in McCall was amazing! All had a blast playing pool and foosball in the open loft upstairs which surrounded the living-room downstairs, and bonding as a chapter making pizza in the kitchen. Many students in the FFA described these FFA trips as the most fun because they get to know each other really well, and feel like one big happy family.
The Bonners Ferry FFA members got to visit McCall's Gold Fork Hot Springs on the first day of their trip before unpacking their luggage at the house. They found their quick trip to the hot springs to be very refreshing and enjoyable after the long bus ride.
Monday morning the FFA arrived in Boise, where all event activities were scheduled. They started their day attending the legislature and Idaho FFA complimentary luncheon where they met representatives, senators, and various agriculture delegates from all around Idaho. The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter was delighted to dine with our District 1 Seat B Representative Sage Dixon, as well as meet with our District 1 Senator Shawn Keough.
Unfortunately, due to construction going on at the state capital building, the FFA chapter did not get to stop for a tour there. Many of the younger and newer FFA members were very disappointed about this, because they must wait until next year to see it.
After the the luncheon, the FFA attended the Conference's 212 and 360 leadership workshops. High school freshmen and sophomores went to the 212 workshops, and juniors and seniors to the 360 workshops. The 212 theme this year revolved around “growth,” while this year’s 360 theme revolved around “influence.” Underclassmen learned about personal growth from themselves, while upperclassmen practiced having a positive influence that can impact the world. They all seemed to be amused at the fun activities and leadership exercises they experienced at the conference.
Finishing up the Conference Monday night, the whole FFA chapter went to work on a community service project benefitting homeless students across Idaho. The project involved packaging soup containers with dry ingredients and spices. Every one worked hard until the job was all finished. FFA members reported they had fun helping with this cause, and they felt good that they were able to give back to the community and help others.
After this task was accomplished, Idaho FFA members were able to stay around and mingle, meeting new people in a “social gathering.” This was a reward for a job well done! The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter was relieved when they finally arrived back home, but they have all made many new friends, memories, and life-long skills that will last forever!
