After months of nonstop hard work, it’s time for summer break. No matter what your goals include for the next few months, summer vacation is the perfect opportunity to explore activities you might not have time for during the school year. Take inspiration from the FFA motto, and make the most of your time out of school.
Learning to Do
Learning isn’t limited to the classroom. Gather with fellow members or create a cross-chapter challenge to avoid summer brain drain. Curate a special playlist of agriculture-focused podcasts. Work with the local library to set up a summer book club. Binge a new docuseries about the planet and our environment. Tons of programming options are available to ensure you enjoy your time away from the classroom while staying academically motivated.
Doing to Learn
Want to find ways to stay connected with fellow FFA members this summer? Find activities to do together and learn a new skill. Whether you take a few hours to help classmates with their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) or sign up for a hobby floral design class at the local gardening center, you are guaranteed to make memories that will last beyond summer break. You might even learn a new skill in the process.
Earning to Live
Summer break is one of the best times to gain real-world experience. Some FFA members take summer jobs or spend their working hours on the farm, but hands-on practice can also include assisting with a research program at a local university or Extension office. SAEs come in all shapes and sizes. Use this time to dive deeper into your projects and apply your learnings from the classroom.
Living to Serve
Volunteering is good for the heart and soul. Weaving some service into your vacation time not only helps your local community, but studies also have shown it can alleviate stress and increase happiness. Volunteering while on vacation has become so popular, it’s now a feature for people who book travel through Airbnb Experiences. Whatever inspires you to give back to your community, go out and do it! There is no limit to the positive impact you can have in the world.
