Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Farm Show Adventure

Over the years I have worn many different hats well attending the PA Farm Show; visitor, exhibitor, master showman, babysitter, jockey, and new to this list student teacher/adviser. This new role was quite an experience! Starting with  below zero weather and a bit of  anxiety, our 4 hour bus ride went fairly fast ( of course I may have slept a bit). We passed out maps and itineraries letting the students know they could explore the exhibitors and vendors on their own ( use the buddy system) till 1:15pm. then we would meet up and go into the large arena for midwinter convention. It was made clear that this was in No Way Optional.

At first I wasn't sure if the on  your own time included  me or not so I went with Mr.Campbell and our two other chaperons  to see the butter sculpture and FFA exhibits to get ideas for next years agriscience fair and landscape displeases. We finally all split up to go see our  different areas of  intrastate. And I have to say I was looking forward to seeing the pig show, some of the wool vendors and wool art entries. However, I have Never had me time at the farm show and I soon found myself not knowing what to do without my brothers, sisters, or younger 4-H members tagging along. so I watched the pig show till it was time to meet the group for my first midwinter conversion.

I was the first chaperons to meet up with the students who surprisingly there early to meet up. Mrs.Reed and I took the majority of the group to find setts well Mr.Campbell took our Keystone Degree recipients down to the arena floor and picked up two  jackets for students that could not make it. Watching from above I have to say it was quite over whelming to see that much Blue and Gold in on area and also to see how many times some students could ask to go to the restroom (like you don't know they just want to walk around). Hearing from Governor Corbet , Secretary Greig, and Secretary Dumaresq showed that what we do as instructors and more importantly what the students are doing is truly seen and appropriated. After convention the students where released for a little more exploration and pitchers were taken of the Keystone Degrees. I went to go catch the champion drive, after witch I found myself watching the oxen demonstration till it was time to meet up again to head for the bus. 

Two students had to be called for over the speakers and well Mr. Campbell and Mrs.Reed waited and looked for them I herded the rest to the bus. Once the students were accounted for we headed for Hershey for dinner. Which was all so event full. I was getting to know some of the students and then I embarrassingly shared with them (not meaning to) that I am the worlds biggest cults when I sent two chicken tenders flying down the table.  I wanted to crawl under the table but laughed it off as the students asked/requested Mr.Campbell if I was being supervised in the shop. Which I am glad to say Yes I am Being Supervised. After dinner we got to the hotel and the students took off for the pool, I was nominated to be the supervision. We had the students meet at 10:45 in the lobby to go over breakfast and checking out for in the morning.  Also emphasizing  that 11:00 was room checks and then No one was to leave their rooms. The two other chaperons conducted the room checks for the second floor while Mr. Campbell and I checked the rooms on the forth floor. One phone call "No this isn't *****'s room and It doesn't matter what room she's in you aren't  leaving yours." and a "That is an joining room door and you do not knock on them, especial when you don't know who in the other room." it was time to pack up and head to the lobby. We ate breakfast, had to find four students and then head to Harley Davidson in York.

At the Harley plant we were split up into to groups for our factory tour myself and one chaperon(so their was an adult and not just a funny senior student with the group on their tour)  took the first group and Mr.Campbell and Mrs. Reed took the second group. One of the students from the second group didn't quite make it through the tour before finding a garbage can and being taken with Mr.Campbell to the lobby and restrooms. Thankfully the only problem in my group was getting them to pick up their feet and Move Faster. The Ag Construction and Power Systems students were a little disappointed that some of the work was done by robots but no the less a few of the students asked about internships and employment after high school ( sound like Success!!) . We loaded up the bus and head for Long Wood Gardens for our horticulture students, stooping along the way for lunch at McDonald. I had No idea that 31 high school students could be so fascinated and entertained  by play in the habit-trail in the children's' play area.

At long wood gardens we were shuttled up to the green house and then the we all went and explored on our own, somehow Mrs.Reed  and I ended up kidnapped by the  seniors . at 2:30 we meet back up and were split into three groups to go a behind the sens tour of their production greenhouses. I got the bad group! They won't stop talking or listen to the tour guide I yelled at them she yelled at them. Finally I had had it and split the three of them up but then I had another problem of one girl (that had been sick at Harley) was feeling much better but couldn't walk apparently needing on of the trouble makers to piggy back her, so I had to tell the whole group to walk on their own two legs. By the end of the tour we finally had an understanding. One student in the group asked about a possible internship or employment opportunity ( which he is applying for, Student Success !!!) Once we were all shuttled back we started on our 6 hour drive back to Derry. The bus ride was far from quiet we had to split two students , Mr. Campbell moved to the back, I yelled at a window artist, finally we got back, and  before leaving we had to jump start a students care.

Like I said in the beginning it was quite the adventure and I may be crazy but I can't wait for the next one to start!! 

2 comments:

  1. Jessie, Thank you for sharing. Your photos are great! What is the story regarding the title of the blog? Why is it "Korn"? Have a great week, Df

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  2. Jessie, It looks like you had a great experience. These are the types of experiences that all students should get through their agricultural education program.

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