Thirty=-two members from the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter attended Timberland Leadership Camp June 5th = 8th, along with the Sleepy Eye Advisors and other helpers. Pictured left to right: First Row- Lisa Riederer (Para), Grecia Navarro (Camp Assistant), Antonio Ruiz, Alex Confer, Callie Evers, Ava Kunkel, Taylor Berkner, Jace Schauman, Carter Lazatin, Kenley Jensen, Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia, Camryn Maher, Kennedi Wersal, Mary Hoffmann (Advisor), Nichole Krenz (Teacher), Morgan Hoffmann (Camp Assistant). Row 2: Alex Dominguez (Camp Assistant), Paul Hendrickx (Advisor), Chloe Howe, Izzy Kunkel, Lily Kallevig, Destiney Dittbenner, Jaelynn Schauman, Ellen Windschitl, Aranza Tovar Garces, Breanna Lopez, Noah Rossbach, Kyle Capacia, Jaden Yack. Row 3: Emerson Johnson, Jose Castorena, Tim Friton, Katelyn Tauer, Ari Krzmarzick, Logan Ludewig, McKayla Strong, Daniel Armstrong, Charlie Hoffmann, Katie Emmett (Advisor).
By: Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter
Thirty-two Sleepy Eye FFA members traveled to Sibley State Park, near New London, from June 5th-8th, 2023. Sleepy Eye FFA Advisors, Mary Hoffmann, Katie Emmett, and Paul Hendrickx; Camp Assistants, Morgan Hoffmann, Alex Dominguez, and Grecia Navarro; along with several members from the Tracy and Marshall FFA chapters, attended the camp.
The Chapter Advisors, along with Region and State Officers, do all of the programming, activities, and food for the camp for the week.
While at the leadership camp, FFA members got to experience many things including: get to know each other activities, a hike to Mount Tom, teamwork activities, escape room, archery, and sessions about goals and the various opportunities in FFA.
Camp-goers learned about different activities that other FFA chapters do and different things in FFA that they can become involved in, such as, Career Development Events (CDE’s) and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’s). Teamwork was an important topic members learned about at the camp. Members of each chapter conducted their own ceremonies as they raised and lowered the flag each day at camp. Campers could also swim, kayak, or canoe; play volleyball and nine square, or try other fun activities in their free time.
Camp members were joined by the entire 2023-24 State FFA Officer Team. They led sessions with activities regarding FFA opportunities and how to use your own personal qualities to contribute to a team.
On the last night of the camp, a banquet was held by the newly elected camp officers. The camp officers from Sleepy Eye included Camryn Maher, Kennedi Wersal, Antonio Ruiz, and Charlie Hoffmann. Following the banquet, FFA members gathered for the camp talent show, minute-to-win it games, and finally, a dance.
Timberland Leadership Camp was a fantastic opportunity for all who attended. Camp-goers will be forever grateful for the opportunity to meet new people, create new friendships, grow personally, try new things, set goals, and find out more about what FFA has to offer.