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Ohio Farm Bureau, in cooperation with regional supervisors and organization directors, hosted four summer leadership development conferences for youths age 11 and up at Otterbein College and Bluffton University.

New this year was Ignite Your Life, a conference for youths who had previously attended Quest, a camp offered to the youngest group of early teens. "Quest has been selling out, and we needed more space," said OFBF Director of Safety and Youth Darrell Rubel. Ignite completes the series of conferences Farm Bureau offers based on age. Youths experienced fun and teamwork, while also learning the basics about Farm Bureau, advisory councils and county boards. Time also was spent on personal development in areas such as public speaking, dealing with stress, finding a mentor and character development.

Higher Ground and The Edge are conferences for older teens. Youths participated in activities such as Farm Bureau in Action, which is a simulation of how advisory councils, Farm Bureau boards and the policy development process work together in the legislative process. In cooperation with Nationwide, youths learned about the dangers of drunk driving. Other sessions included choral music, dancing, organizing a cooperative and manners. Youths also presented skits in which they educated each other about vital safety issues.

All the camps are open to farm and nonfarm youths, giving the nonfarmers a look at what it is like to grow up on a farm, Rubel said.

Caption: Youths at the first-ever Ignite Your Life summer conference enjoyed dancing as well as other activities that encouraged team building. Photo credit: Darrell Rubel