Youth hone leadership skills at conferenceEnthusiasm was high at this summer’s 48th annual OFBF State Youth Leadership Conference at Otterbein University near Columbus.
This year’s theme, "Getting Fit for Leadership," focused on leadership development, team building and decision making training – all packaged in high-energy, hands-on workshops. According to OFBF Director of Young Leaders Darrell Rubel, "These youth are learning some valuable skills in such a fun way, they may not even realize the magnitude of the skills they are learning until later in the day or after the conference."
The conference is also an exercise in hands-on leadership for members of the OFBF State Youth Committee who lead the week of events. "I tell the (state youth) committee that they’re the ones in charge by keeping the conference running, leading sessions and facilitating discussion. Teenagers always amaze me with the depth of their leadership skills and ‘can-do’ attitudes," Rubel said.
Each of the youth could participate in a "Working Together" elective that encompassed learning about other cultures, creating their own line dances, learning about traditional and digital photography and putting together a presentation to be shown during the final party, cooking outdoors or learning outdoor recreational games.
Participants also develop, support and maintain their own co-operative, form their own Farm Bureau boards, and run their own auto insurance companies for the week. The focus of the auto insurance exercise is to teach teens how good driving records and safe driving practices directly impact their wallets through lower premiums.
To participate, youth had to be at least 15 years old and had to have attended a regional youth conference.
Other group activities including learning ballroom and square dancing with Shirley Boyd, retired director of youth activities for OFBF and "Farm Bureau legend," according to the youth school program. The youth were entertained with a visit from several residents at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Special speaker was Jake Brewer, a World War II and Korea/Vietnam veteran. Teaching about defensive driving and giving lessons on the insurance industry was Steve Uhlman, director of special service for Nationwide Insurance. Other Farm Bureau staff participating were Nick Kennedy and Libby Yocum, Farm Bureau summer interns; and Lynn Snyder, OFBF associate editor of publications. Other adults providing help were Helen Haggerty, piano accompanist from the College of Wooster; Beth Holdgreve, St. Paul Lutheran band and music director; and Rita Warner from Montgomery County.
Members of the State Youth Committee are Nate Colston, Summit County; Michelle Eck, Miami County; Yvonne Fair, Harrison County; Cory Honemann, Henry County; Sarah Prenosil, Franklin County; Emily Reidlinger, Wyandot County; Joey Schnell, Auglaize County; and Chris Snyder, Stark County.
For more information on how you can participate in Farm Bureau youth activities, contact your county Farm Bureau or call Rubel at 614-246-8277 or via e-mail at drubel@ofbf.org | |