Meeker FFA members Beau Newport, Baylee Weeks, Michael Pritchard, Kadence Staude and Analie Staude attended the leadership camp, where they participated in team-building activities, leadership workshops, and challenges designed to help students grow as leaders and work effectively with others.
One of the highlights for Baylee Weeks was a fitness challenge that required participants to work together as a team.
“My favorite workshop we did was the fitness challenge where we were tasked with several different fitness activities our teams had to complete together, and it showed how important it is to work as a team and encourage each other when we’re struggling because that’s what helped us get through our challenges,” Weeks said.
The experience also gave Weeks a new perspective on what true leadership means. Rather than focusing on recognition, she learned that leadership is about serving others. “AFR Leadership Summit taught me that we have to focus on serving and helping others instead of the spotlight. We should not be concerned about getting recognition for helping others; we should do it out of love and kindness,” Weeks said.
Weeks plans to bring the lessons she learned back to the Meeker FFA Chapter, particularly the importance of encouragement and teamwork.
“A leadership skill I gained at AFR that I will bring back to my chapter is to always be encouraging because at the end of the day we’re all a team, and if we push each other and help each other, it’s easier to reach our goals,” she said.
In addition to teamwork and servant leadership, the camp encouraged students to stand firm in their beliefs and use their voices to make a difference.
Participants in the American Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Summit. Photo/AFR Youth Programs
“This summit helped me realize that it’s important to stay rooted in your beliefs and to use your voice to protect them and advocate for them because if we don’t, who will?” Weeks said.
The AFR Leadership Camp provided Meeker FFA members with an opportunity to learn alongside other young leaders while developing skills they can bring back to their chapter, school, and community. Through teamwork, service, encouragement, and advocacy, the students returned home prepared to put their leadership lessons into action.