It was that time of year, again. Time for powdered donuts and Coca-Cola, happy grams and Ag Olympics. Nothing can compare to all things that represent my favorite little word: "Camp". Only this year, I had a new partner in crime. Last name: Parish. First name: Mason.
It all began at the State Leadership Conference in Anna, Texas, where 74 Area officers from across the state gathered to hone their skills. The value-based training by the Ethical Leadership Fellows, the inspiring Vespers program by the Incoming State Officers, and the leadership forum by highly-respected individuals such as Stephanie Curs, Jim Prewitt, and Tom Maynard, were just a few of the many highlights in the 3 days. However, nothing can compare to the smooth, dance floor moves and the breakout sessions, where students utilized innovative approaches and let out a "word to your advisor." All of which, gave us a sense of American pride and patriotism.
It's safe to say that the extensive training of State Leadership Conference certainly paid off in the weeks following, as those officers set out to put on their respective area conferences. Though Mason and I had to miss the premier of Toy Story 3 (a moment I had been waiting on for the past decade...), it was all worth it as we watched the Area III officers facilitate one of the best conferences I've seen yet. In an effort to complete "The Amazing Race", district officer participants were met with "detours" and "road blocks", all of which built stronger, more capable teams. Maybe that's why all of those district camps were so unbelievable...
For instance, in District 7 chapter officers were challenged to "Step up to the Plate". From crazy experiences like dropping eggs from ladders (don't worry, we created parachutes for them!) to lessons on communication to a few wacky games of team ninja, toxic waste, and amoeba, we certainly had fun creating that home run. Of course that was nothing compared to eating steaks and watching "The Bachelorette" at Betsy's house. Unfortunately, we had to leave just before the steaks so that we could make it to District 5 the next morning.
Though we were only at D5 camp for a few short hours, Mason and I had a blast catching up with old friends and watching spectacular sessions by Paige, John, Jacob, Jordan, Morgan, Riann, and Clayton. Before long, we were off to District 1 Camp. We got there just in time, too! Early enough for dinner (fajitas, yum!) and (my favorite) the dance! It's safe to say that we more than survived this "Survivor"- themed camp!
The next day, we headed to District 2 for a short convention update, a chit chat with some pretty cool people, and a viewing of the camp slide show. Then, we were "On the Road Again", jamming out to Ke$ha and Justin Beiber. Oh what a ride. Before long, we were in District 3, where "All the roads of leadership lead to tomorrow". It was here that we took our stuffed monkey Tyron aka Bubbles aka Charlie aka Ricky Bobby aka Baby Carlos (and the list goes on...) for a journey of reaching our goals as chapter officers. Though poor Tyron/Bubbles/Charlie/Ricky Bobby/Baby Carlos was dropped on his head many times, he made it out alive. Thank goodness!
A few bites of pizza and then we were....LOST. We drove up and down, up and down, up and down the exact same road for a good 30 minutes. Our poor GPS was even lost. Luckily, we were able to drownd our sorrows with more of Ke$ha and Justin Beiber...and a spontaneous trip to THE PSYCHIC! Mason and I spotted a sign that read "Palm Reading Discounts!", but we didn't end up going there. We rang the door bell, got scared, and ran away. Then, off in the distance, we spotted it! A very lovely house with a SPARKLING sign. So, we rang the door bell. Nothing. We rang it again. Nothing. We called the number...and made an appointment! In the mean time, we made our way to District 6 Camp, where my "friends" attempted to tape me to the wall. Ha ha. When that didn't work, they just wrapped me in LOTS and LOTS of tape. What fun times...Before long, we were at the dance. I'm just glad my buddy, Jimmy, let me dance with him! A few more dances, one s'more, and then....we were off to THE PSYCHIC!
Though Mason and I were a tad bit worried about this decision (A black cat crossed the road AND it was thundering! I don't believe in that stuff, but it still makes you wonder...), she was quite the good psychic. She told me that I "have been travelling alot and will be moving soon". No joke. She also told me that I would receive a bunch of money very soon...dun dun dun. And she told Mason he was going to live a long life. Good to know.
Then, it was our final camp. I was back home in District 4, where they are "The Real Deal." We watched as stand-out members received awards for "Sweetheart", "Best Dancer" and "Random". However, the highlight of our few hours there was the inspiring talk by Mr. Rod Vincent from Bellville. As always, he motivated me to want to be the best that I possibly could. And with that, our camp season was officially over.
Though there will be no more s'mores, happy grams, or powdered donuts, there will be millions of fond memories with all of my friends in the great state of Texas. So, as we pack our bags and embark on new journies, let us not forget to mosey on down to Corpus Christi for the 82nd Texas FFA Convention. It's only 11 days away and is guaranteed to be the highlight of your summer. Get ready, Texas FFA! This year, "It starts with One" trip to the sparkling city by the sea!
