Reflecting on My Time at ACES to benefit the trip to SLLC
My first trip as an advisor:
Dover FFA took approximately 20 students to ACES in Harrisburg for a two day, one night conference. It was my sixth trip to the conference, but first in the capacity of an agriculture teacher. On Saturday afternoon we battled with the traffic of the high school wrestling tournament and fought out way out of Dover.
Getting students to the big group opening session was our goal, which we then "off-duty" for professional development while the students went through their workshops. Professional development gave great insight on analyzing your NOCTI scores.
Then the role of facilitating room check in... this was more complicated than meets the eye. You didn't just given them their key and off they go. To prevent further headaches you gave them a checklist of things to accomplish before dinner, such as check for enough towels in the room and do all the keys work.
For dinner we got split up, this gave an awesome opportunity to make students break out of their comfort zones, as well as increases your network with ag teachers when asking for extra seats at their table.
The dance offered time for the students to socialize, you to get to know their personality, and a teacher a second to sit and do work while closely monitoring your students. Additionally, the time of reflection offered not only an opportunity to inspire students, but a time to get them calm before sending them to bed.
Thats the key, tired students = quiet students... kinda... as good ag teachers always do Mr. Bowen, Mrs. Barzydlo, and I served on the courtesy corp to get all the rooms to sleep and ensure no noise could be heard in the halls. This ensures students are where they should be and that the hotel staff doesn't have to chase noise complaints around.
Finally, the morning of the conference we encouraged all students to attend the optional time of inspiration before breakfast. As well as participated in the community service event afterward. Then we drove home, decently exhausted for a relaxing Sunday!
Things for me to utilize at SLLC:
- A thorough packing list - Making it not only clear what they need, but also what they CAN'T bring
- Give them a room check in To-Do List, also the talk of no girls in guys rooms and vice versa
- Preparation in creative way - I created a Goose Chase! A few tasks they can research ahead of time like finding your state senator or rep, but also tasks for during the conference like taking a selfie with a person from each region!
- Preparing for tired students - packing granola bars in your purse to "pick them up"
- Get a cup of coffee before starting courtesy corp - It may be a longer night than you wanted, but fun times with fellow ag teachers nontheless
Lisa, you share some great pieces of advice for overnight trips! Some other things to think about are keeping copies of student emergency contact and medical information on hand in case of an emergency. Students (and parents) also like if you provide them with an itinerary, so they know what is expected of them and when they will be doing different things.
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