Cabot FFA Members Attend Summer Leadership Conference

Building leadership, team building and citizenship skills, that's what students from across the state learned at the 2015 Arkansas Leadership Conference.

It was held this summer at Camp Couchdale, Arkansas FFA's campgrounds on Lake Catherine, near Hot Springs. The conference is an activity of the Arkansas FFA Association. Members of the Cabot FFA Chapter attended the conference from June 29th through July 3, 2015.

The five day program helps FFA members improve their leadership skills and prepare for leadership roles in their chapters, communities and their future careers. This year's conference was titled “I Believe.”  

Students attended sessions on developing authentic leadership, serving their communities and being a positive voice for agriculture. Students also participated in “expedition challenges” which served as team building activities. Students showed their patriotism by participating in flag ceremonies. They also served as officers for the convention and took part in a banquet ceremony. Nicole Williams was chosen to present her prepared speech which focused on this year's theme. 

Students also participated in a day of service and worked on community projects close to the campgrounds. Cabot FFA Students made placemats for Arkansas Children's Hospital, cleaned the campgrounds at Lake Catherine State Park, and visited a local nursing home where they sang and entertained the residents. They also volunteered at a local boys and girls club serving as mentors. 

The Arkansas FFA Association coordinates ALC which attracts participants from across the state. This summer, more than 500 FFA members will attend one of the conference's three, one-week, sessions. The sessions are facilitated by the Arkansas FFA State Officer team.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members, all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.  Visit www.ffa.org or www.ArkansasFFA.org for more information.