Alva Review-Courier -

While some kids are trying to be like their favorite actor or singer, 13 Burlington FFA members recently learned the importance to just "be you." The theme of the 2018 Oklahoma FFA Alumni Leadership Training Camp taught FFA members to believe in themselves and work towards their own goals.

During the four day camp, FFA members were placed into small groups with members from across the state. Former Burlington FFA President Bayli Hyde was selected as one of the small group leaders for Alumni Camp.

"Small groups have always been my favorite part of camp," Hyde stated. "Getting to know members from other chapters and listening to their struggles and successes always inspires me."

FFA members also participated in a challenging ropes course that required members to rely on their teammates and cooperate with members they had just met to achieve a goal.

According to Gavin McCullough, Burlington FFA president,"Working with new people to get your entire team over a 15-foot wall isn't easy. But you learn that if you can accomplish this with total strangers, you should be able to accomplish even more with your chapter officer team."

Camp attendees also competed in the annual Water Olympics. From diving into shallow pools to racing with water balloons, FFA members tried to beat the heat from a warm summer's day on the banks of the Fort Gibson Lake.

"I always like a good competition," said Anna Motycka. "The water olympics are a fun way for your small group to work together."

Burlington FFA was honored to have Brenner Clark, Burlington FFA secretary, selected to perform a part in the flag raising ceremony on the last morning of camp.

Burlington FFA moms Jenny Stewart and Marci Hyde, along with Burlington FFA Advisor Travis Bradshaw, also attended the camp with the Burlington FFA members.

First-time camp attendee Kayli Stewart said that, "Alumni Camp was a great way to make new friends and gave me brief glimpse of what the FFA has to offer me over the next four years."