Grange Camp

Mystery. That's the word I associated with Grange prior to attending the North Carolina State Grange Camp. The unfolding of this mystery began when Elizabeth and I traveled to the wilderness known as the Northeast region of North Carolina. Grange Camp is located in the beautifully remote Bull's Bay and we had little trouble finding the camp. Our first snafu however, came upon arrival at the Eastern 4-H Center. Arriving late due to a prior commitment, Elizabeth and I found a camp completely in the dark. Finding only one building from which light illuminated, we naturally ventured inside. There was not a soul to be seen. We then walked back out, and, following Elizabeth's lead, we made our way down to the waterfront. Once there, we found a path leading towards the faintest sound of voices. The only problem was that the path was completely pitch black. Seeing as both of us were clad only in flip flops, we warily walked down the path hoping to find some Grangers. With each passing step, the path grew darker and darker. Fearing for Elizabeth's safety, lest she get bitten by a snake, I suggested that we turn back and search for people elsewhere. It wasn't until after about half an hour of searching that we finally found a camp counselor to point us in the right direction.

After our bewildering first night, the next day at Grange Camp was slightly more enlightening. Elizabeth and I joined our small groups and got busy learning how to be Grangers. One of the most interesting and unique aspects of the Grange is their Model Grange. Model Grange is where the Grangers work on their opening ceremonies and learn the traditions of the Grange. Elizabeth and I, being first time Grange campers, learned that marching is an integral part of the Grange opening ceremony. Our first attempts at marching were amateur and we stumbled through the steps clumsily. However, with Jennie Gentry's unwavering energy we quickly perfected our march. Looking back, it was pretty awesome to see the Youth Team and Grange State Officers flawlessly perform complicated routines with military like precision. The most intricate spirals and windmills looked effortless to these masters of the march.

In retrospect, I learned a lot from Grange Camp, and it was a complete surprise. I went to Grange Camp expecting to teach them about agricultural education and inspire them to join the FFA. In reality, the Grange taught me to never miss an opportunity to make someone feel special. From their goodnight circles, to their "warm fuzzies", the Grangers seized every chance to fill the buckets of their fellow campers. They connected with each other in a very deep way. The atmosphere at camp was that of a family and it was beautiful to watch and unique in its unquestioned inclusiveness.

I saw so much potential in the Grangers I met that it saddened me to leave and miss seeing the realization of that potential. I was deeply touched to have shared these memories with the Grangers. I'll never forget the Grange for their quirky ways, songs, and square dancing, but I'll always remember them for their loving hearts and amazing sense of family.

NLCSO Part 2

Tuesday morning came with an excitement mixed with anxiety. Our team was ready to see how we lined up against our Southeastern counterparts. We arrived in the lobby of the hotel to greet the members of the Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama state officer teams. We wondered how similar or different each team would be. If they would like us, if we would like them... We mingled for a couple of minutes and soon headed to breakfast where we broke bread and exchanged some small talk. We soon found that all our worries were for naught. It wasn't a competition; we were all there to learn to better serve.

After breakfast, Florida, being the host, performed opening ceremonies and then turned the session over to Randa Braune and Bethany Bohnenblust, our two national officers. The opportunity to work with and learn from the two national officers is something that I'll remember long after NLCSO. I probably learned more from watching these two amazing young women then from the workshops they presented. They were poised, passionate, and their command of the room and subject matter was awe inspiring. It was like their voices and body movements worked seamlessly to communicate their love for FFA and the values of a strong team. No movement in their presentation was without purpose. Whether it was a hand gesture, or the inflection in their voices, every aspect melded so effortlessly and transitionless that it made listening truly enjoyable. It was very motivating to know that communication can be that beautiful in its efficiency.

After Florida finished with their opening ceremonies, each of us were given the holy grail of workshop presenting, "The Arsenal". This book contains a treasure trove of presenting goodies. I'm kind of excited to peruse this volume full of workshop techniques.

I look back fondly on NLCSO. It was a very positive experience in that it brought our team closer together and allowed us to learn by watching some amazing leaders in action. And, after all of this team building and leadership development, we got to go to Disney World! We spent our final day at the Epcot theme park touring the different countries of Disney. Nothing put the cherry on top of our NLCSO experience like Disney. It was an amazing week with amazing people, and I feel confident that it will help us better serve the members of the North Carolina FFA Association.

NLCSO Part 1

The National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) is held each year as an opportunity for state officers from various states to get together to learn leadership skills and share ideas before going out and serving the members of their respective associations. This year, our NLCSO was held in Daytona, Florida.



Monday morning found the state officers pulling out of Jamie's driveway around 9:20 AM and headed for Florida. The drive was an opportunity to catch up on sleep, jam out to some road trip tunes, and talk about plans for our year of service. Traveling south, our first stop was the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia, where we had reservations at Paula Dean's revered Lady and Sons restaurant. Arriving in Savannah with several hours to kill until our reservation, we wandered the streets of one of the oldest and magnificent cities of the South. We walked streets framed by live oaks covered in Spanish moss and basked in the sultry air only present in the coastal cities of the South.



The hot afternoon was beginning its slow transition into balmy evening as we waited outside of Lady and Sons in anticipation for the meal to come. More like a line for an amusement park than a restaurant, the street filled with people as Paula's restaurant was preparing for its 5:00 opening. We waited patiently in line until finally hearing the matron call out, " Davis, party of 7." Crossing the street quickly, we entered the eatery as a blast of cold air and the savory smell of fat greeted us. Sidling towards the elevator, we rose to the third floor with stomachs eagerly rumbling and ready for an excellent meal. The table was set for seven and we wasted no time in perusing the menu. After several agonizing minutes of deliberation in which I weighed several delicious sounding dishes, I decided upon fried oysters, shrimp, and scallops. It was awesome, enough said.

After stuffing ourselves to the point of gluttony, we said goodbye to the sweet city of Savannah and continued on our way to Daytona.

2010 SLC Week One

I just arrived home fresh off my first week at State Leadership Conference. The week started on Monday around ten o'clock when campers began pouring in to register. I don't remember being as excited as I was when members started arriving. It was like Christmas in June.
The next day the real fun began as members dove into leadership workshops on topics ranging from public relations to time management. Presenting my first was a little daunting, but the FFA members made the experience a memorable one as well as an enjoyable one. Following Tuesday, the week flew by. I really valued the time getting to know my small group the Hot Tamales from North Johnston and South Rowan. We played big booty and ninja and learned to shag in the course of one week, all while discussing focus, kindness, perseverance, and attitude. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.
Next on the agenda was Wednesday Night Live, where my fellow officers and I acted out some of our favorite Saturday Night Live skits. Justin rocked his guitar, and Alycia and Daniel showed us how rowdy a chess match can get with their Spartan Cheerleader skit. I had so much fun performing Matt Foley motivational speaker. However, I want to say sorry to Jamie for spitting on her during the sketch. Apparently during the heat of acting, I spit like a llama.
Thursday's night dance gave all the campers and staff a chance to boogie down. Whether it was shagging the night away, or doing Mr. Holt's broom dance, everyone seemed to have a great time at the dance.
I was sad to see the conference come to an end today. But, I look forward to seeing FFA members using the leadership skills learned at the conference put to use in their homes, communities, and chapters.