North Harford’s FFA program takes a trip to Maryland State Fairgrounds for an FFA conference. The students played games, learned about other schools FFA programs and gained new knowledge.

     “It was a leadership conference type thing, so we played a bunch of games with other FFA’s and stuff like that in our own FFA,” explained sophomore Keegan Huss. Along with Huss, sophomore Grayson Whaley went as well. “We helped set up and then we put together some team building activities that the officers were running and then when it got started we participated in those activities,” said Whaley. 

     Students worked on developing many skills that will help them in the future. “During the field trip, FFA members around Maryland participated in workshops to develop leadership skills as well as community service activities to give back to the community,” said Senior, Cole Hellwig. A part of those community service projects were for future dog owners. “We made little goody bags for new dog owners to give to a shelter,” said Whaley. 

     North Harford students also did a lot of team building activities. “We played Jeopardy, which was based around FFA so there were different facts about it which I thought was really fun,” said Huss.

     “I learned a lot about different FFA’s and different peoples’ projects and like the leadership and stuff like that,” said Huss. “I learned a bit more about the state FFA organization, the organization as a whole, and I developed some more leadership and teamwork skills,” added Whaley.

     “My favorite part was probably going and meeting new people, because I got  to branch out a little bit,” explained Whaley. Many other school’s FFA programs were at the conference so the students got to connect with other students and make new friends. 

     This conference benefitted many of these students in more ways than one. “I learned different things, got to bond with other people, and I made new friends,” stated Huss. Huss also adds that she is glad she went on the field trip. “Honestly it was just kind of like a random decision, it seemed fun so,” explained Huss when asked why she wanted to go on the field trip. 

     Along with Huss, Whaley also enjoyed the conference and feels it was very beneficial. “It benefitted me because I got to branch out and meet new people and also gain new skills,” stated Whaley. He said that he would love to go again.

     “The trip was beneficial and has only brought positive information back to North Harford as well as other fun activities we may use in the future,” stated Hellwig. As president of the FFA Hellwig was looking for new ideas on this trip. “I attended the field trip to find new ideas for the chapter to bounce off of for future community service and social activities and simply gain new leadership traits,” explained the senior.