Middle school FFA members learn about the different Career Development Events offered in North Carolina.
Middle school chapters make up 37% of the FFA membership in North Carolina. For this reason, the North Carolina FFA Association provides middle school members with opportunities to attend camps and conferences beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, Middle Grades Discovery Camp is one opportunity for middle school members to participate in.
Time for Discovery
On Jan. 24-26, 2025, North Carolina FFA hosted its second-ever Middle Grades Discovery Camp. For the first time, it was an overnight trip held at the North Carolina FFA Center. More than 50 members representing nine middle school chapters across the state attended.
“For most students, this was their first overnight trip away from home,” says 2024-25 North Carolina FFA State Vice President Regan Honeycutt. “One of our goals was to make sure they were comfortable and to get them out of their shells as soon as they arrived on Friday. To do this, we played a goose chase around the center, where we ran around and explored the facilities. This was definitely my favorite part, and it allowed me and my teammates to get to know them on a more personal level while having fun in a casual setting.”
The camp’s purpose is to provide the next generation of agricultural leaders with opportunities to engage with industry leaders and learn about the different sectors of agriculture. Members were also introduced to different Career and Leadership Development Events and participated in leadership workshops focused on personal growth and goal setting, which North Carolina FFA state officers facilitated.
Members work together during a workshop.
A Weekend of Opportunity
Aside from the knowledge and skills members acquired, they also built relationships that will last a lifetime.
“It was really awesome getting to drinking hot cocoa and watch a movie in the alumni building, as well as hearing conversations that were sparked during lunch or between workshops,” Honeycutt says. “We wanted them to know agriculture is a home for everyone, and within the FFA, there is a place for everyone as well.”
Overall, the weekend was a success. It was an opportunity for middle school North Carolina FFA members to grow as they embarked on their journey to become future leaders in the agriculture.
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- Members with their certificate of participation at the end of camp.
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- Carson Park talking to students about leadership.
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- Students get to interact with animals.
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- “Agriculture; a home for everyone”
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- Students are proud to showcase their work of art.
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- Hands-on Experience working with water samples.
