The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/183258
FFA What is FFA? WRITTEN BY FFA MEMBER OLIVIA ZUMALT I believe in the future of agriculture. This is the phrase that has been nailed into all FFA kids heads. Now before reading this article, picture your idea of an Ag kid. You're picturing the stereotypical cowboy with the hat, boots, and Wranglers; the whole get up. Don't get me wrong, they love their cowboys, but FFA consists of a variety of kids who all come together to create one big family! FFA is a national organization and is the largest club on campus. One of the perks of being involved in FFA is the option to take an animal to fair. There are many animals that you can take: a steer, pig, lamb, goat, chickens, or a rabbit. You don't have to take an animal to fair, there are many other completions and contests that you can get involved in such as: Forestry, Record Book, Co- Op, Horse Judging, Speaking Contests, Creed, B.I.G, Floral, Soil, Job Interview, AG Mechanics, and Farm Power. These contests provide you with skills that will stay with you throughout your life. FFA looks great on a resume and college applications. I know you're thinking, "How can I get involved in such an amazing organization?" Well, it's simple, just enroll in an AG class next year. Some of our AG classes are all of the following: Floral Design, Earth Science, AG Bio, AG Mechanic, AG Leadership and more. If you are interesting in joining the AG program talk to Svejda, Stroud, or Pritchard to learn more! An FFA Meeting: F Becca Blanchard/ BLUFFER Introducing the 2013-14 Red Bluff FFA officer team President: Molly Murphy Vice President: Jenny McCluskey Secretary: Olivia Zumalt Treasurer: Abby Brown Reporter: Claire Lester Sentinel: Paige Smith Historian: Carl Miller Public Relations: Natalie Renfroe Rewards Coordinator: Shaye Root WRITTEN BY FFA MEMBER CLAIRE LESTER FA's first chapter meeting was held on August 28, and was a lot of fun for all who attended. They watched a clip of their members, learned about upcoming events, and relaxed in the pool. Overall, it was a huge success. To kick off their first monthly meeting, they gathered in Stroud's classroom and opened with a video of their members. Seeing the looks of anticipation on everyone's faces was priceless. Many members were able to see their friends, classmates, and even themselves up on the big screen. The video was a hit, thanks to FFA's producer, Karl Parks, and everyone who volunteered to take pictures. Furthermore, they ran through the opening and closing ceremonies, the treasurer's report, and new business. Speaking of which, is everyone ready for the fair? It is coming sooner than you think! Also, make sure you bring some elbow grease and creative ideas to the fair booth meeting on September 4, 2013! All FFA members were very happy with the impressive turn out, with over 100 members in attendance. Also, several eighth grade discovery members showed up to learn more about the chapter and meet the FFA members. The moment the meeting was closed, FFA members rushed out to the pool for the swim party. Many of the members cooled off in the pool while swimming, visiting with their friends, and making new ones. As the sun set over the horizon, they made their way home with a renewed excitement for more great things to come from Red Bluff An FFA RETREAT: O n July 29, the Red Bluff FFA officer team headed out on a two day Officer Retreat to Lake Almanor. While they were there, they planned the year, played several team-building activities, practiced opening and closing ceremonies, bonded as a team, ate great food, and had a lot of fun during every second of it! They were fortunate to be able to stay in a cabin near Lake Almanor, surrounded by ancient Redwoods and a great team of officers and advisers. The Officer Retreat was the perfect way to kick off another great year of FFA! On the first day, they headed out on a 7.4 mile hike up Broke Mountain in Lassen Park. Pritchard lead the way, with Stroud as coleader, as the team pushed on up steep mountain sides, through dense brush, and thin air. After several hours, four triumphant officers took the final step onto the peak of Broke Mountain. At over 9,000 feet, the view of Lassen and the surrounding forest was truly breathtaking. It made every slightly painful, faltering step completely worth it. After scarfing down the most delicious turkey sandwiches ever, they began their slippery decent down the mountain. At home base (and flat ground!), they rejoiced and drove off to get some pineapple and pepperoni pizza at the Pizza Factory. That night, they began playing some very creative team-bonding games. Theor favorites were definitely pterodactyl (as in the dinosaur), the camping game, using 'witchcraft' for the levitation game, and more. After an exhausting day, all of the girls squeezed into a tiny bedroom (and someone into a tiny baby bed), while Svejda and Stroud slept with the bats. Several screeching, scratching, smelly little bats. They rose bright and early on the second day of our adventure. WRITTEN BY CLAIRE LESTER The morning started off with muffins, more team-building games, and practicing opening and closing ceremonies. They discussed several ideas for fundraisers and school activities. Crab feed and tailgate movie night, anyone? They thought you would like it! Later on they played a scavenger hunt and attempted to master the human knot. As the sun began its daily pilgrimage across the sky, they packed up their things and headed for Lake Almanor. After leaving a small treasure in the geocaching box, they made their way to the beach. Some officers lounged in the sun, some swam in the smelly, murky lake, and others brought back childhood memories while playing on the playground. Regardless, they all had a great time. Back at the Cabin, they enjoyed some of Pritchard's delicious hamburgers and prepared their minds for a year of planning meetings and scheduling events. That evening, they designed their t-shirts, and chose FFA theme for the year. To celebrate, they all enjoyed smores under the stars. That is, until the creepy neighbor began flickering his lights and giving them evil looks. They reluctantly abandoned the chocolate and marshmallows, and ran to the safety of the Cabin while Carl and Pritchard braved the dangerous night. Once they were all safely inside, they wrapped up their plans and got ready for an early start the next day. They descended down the mountain bright and early the next morning, and said goodbyes to the lake, the bats and their strange cabin buddy. However, one thing they will never say goodbye to is all of the great memories and friendships that were created during the Officer Retreat. The 2013-14 Red Bluff FFA officer team wants everybody to get ready and get ex-