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What would you do if you put on 30 to 40 pounds? How about try sumo wrestling? Dozens of teens did just that as one of the many activities they participated in during this year’s Farm Bureau Youth annual meeting held Dec. 3. The youths put on custom-made sumo outfits and squared off against each other to throw around their newfound weight.

"It was hot but fun," said Chad Muhlenkamp of Mercer County after trying his hand at a bit of heavy wrestling. "You can ram up against a person and not feel a thing."

The youths also threw beanbags as part of Jedi dodgeball and boomerangs after a speech by Gary Broadbent, who is known as the Boomerang Man. Broadbent, a member of the United States Boomerang Team, entertained the crowd of more than 100 with his rapid-fire jokes and discussion of the history and science of boomerangs. Broadbent, who lives in Canton, showed off his collection of Aboriginal and custom-made boomerangs that were in many shapes and designs such as Roadrunner, Michael Jordan, Elmo and a pair of Siamese twins.

"We’re honored that Farm Bureau has the chance to work with these outstanding youth. With great teens like these, we can look forward to an exciting and outstanding future," said Darrell Rubel, OFBF’s director of youth and safety programs.

During the meeting, youths square danced as Rubel called out the moves. Later, Rubel was presented with a quilt made by several of the Youth Councils from around the state.

"Wow, I'm totally taken by surprise and touched," Rubel said of his gift. "This quilt is something that I'll treasure, and I'll always connect it with the wonderful memories of these special and thoughtful teens, junior highs and advisers who have such a great impact on my life."

The teens also heard from OFBF President Bob Peterson who talked about how he was once active in his Youth Council. Adult advisers for the Youth Councils also were recognized.

During the business part of the meeting, the Summit Amigos Calientes were named the Outstanding Youth Council for the second year in a row. The council also won the Spotlight on Safety Contest, also for the second time in a row. The group’s winning safety skit promoted camping safety. The Jackson/Vinton Youth Council, a first-year participant, placed second in the state with a skit that focused on the dangers of mixing household products.

Yvonne Fair of Harrison County was named chair for the 2005 State Youth Committee. Other committee members are Vice Chair Holly Sparks of Butler County, Secretary Nate Colston of Summit County, Cory Honneman of Henry County, Eli Karn of Franklin County, Brian Moff of Mahoning County, Laura Quinter of Auglaize County, and Kayla Weaver of Wyandot County. Sparks and Weaver will also serve as Farm Bureau Youth representatives to the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board.

"We had a pretty good turnout. I like getting together with Farm Bureau youths. It’s a fun organization," Weaver said. "Youth council makes you a better leader. It’s a life-changing experience."

For more information about youth activities, call Rubel at 614-246-8277.

Caption: For the second year in a row, the Summit Amigos Caliente Youth Council won the Outstanding Youth Council and Spotlight on Safety awards at this year’s OFBF youth annual meeting.