It’s the oldest FFA camp in the nation. It has seen over 400,000 campers pass through thus far in it’s tenure. This past week while chaperoning my own students at our North Carolina FFA Center at White Lake, I realized that this summer marks the 20-year anniversary from my first visit. It’s a place where you watch children “grow up” – whether that means the kids of the advisor’s that tag along, the maturity of your own students over the course of their high school journey, or the camp staff. The nostalgia of this realization inspired me to share the top 12 reasons I will always love FFA camp.
- Waterball: A unique watersport created by FFA advisors many years ago that cannot be found anywhere else. Many weekly banner winners have been determined over the years based on who could master this strange concoction of softball/kickball/swim race. Those who have played will understand the importance of not fully swinging and that you can’t be “out” if you’re under water.
Photo Credit: Emily Jacobs
2. Patriotism: We start the morning early with the playing of Reveille and end with Taps at lights out. We pause as the flag is raised each morning and recite the pledge of allegiance – the way it is written – with no pause between “…one nation under God…”.
- The Trees: Oh the trees! NC FFA Camp…where it takes practically an act of congress to cut one down. Large trees help define the foul line and even have their own special “rules of play” if a softball hits their branches. The Live Oaks provide the BEST shade on a hot day and under their thick canopy is prime real estate for your camping chair. Beautiful Bald Cypress trees line the shoreline with their rough “knees” dispersed like a mine field. The Spanish Moss dangles from the limbs like tinsel on a Christmas tree reminding you that you’re not far from the coast in the South. They really are picture perfect – just don’t pick up the moss or you’ll find out real quick all you want to know about the dreaded Red Bug.
Even the most grumpy of morning campers will set their alarm clocks to rise early to watch a beautiful sunrise.
- Screen Doors: A few years ago when the camp went through major renovations to the dining and rec halls, items such as the old picnic tables were sold to help generate funds. My immediate thought went to the screen door on the dining hall. I can still hear in my mind the creak of the decades old spring hinges followed by the hard thud as the door shut behind each camper. Today, similar doors fit all the male cabins to help keep the memory alive. Screen doors and windows mean you fall asleep to the sound of crickets and not the hum of an AC unit…unless you’re “lucky” enough to have a camper (or advisor) who snores in your cabin!
- Where kids can be kids without use of technology: It wasn’t until the summer of 1999 that the most faint cell service reached rural Bladen County. Even then there was only a section of maybe 3 boards wide on the right pier that would hold one bar of analog signal if I stood on the tips of my toes. To call home prior required a LONG wait in line at one the two pay phones on campus. It encouraged you to live in the moment which in turn helped make memories that would last a lifetime. Over a decade later I sometimes wish we still didn’t have signal at camp but surprisingly the jam packed schedule keeps most FFA members engaged and trying new things. Just this past week I taught a group of members how to play shuffleboard for the first time. Where did I learn? At FFA Camp of course! It was the “original” corn hole game! I’ve seen frozen boxers ran up the flag pole, future marriages blossom while sitting on the piers, and counselors “lovingly” dunked in the lake. Yes. I will admit I’ve had to run my fair share of bases with girlfriends at midnight as discipline for shenanigans…but none of those memories were created from an app on my phone either! (Pokemon who???)
Leadership skills are cultivated through hands-on activities. Pictured in the background is the original Recreational Hall during the summer that cell service arrived at camp!
- Canoe Races: It is a rite of passage for NC FFA campers. If you’ve never sat in a canoe, you can bet you’ll attempt to paddle in a straight line from pier to pier before you head home on Friday. With a little skill and luck you’ll get a great lesson in teamwork as you time your ejection and re-entry in the four-man relay race. Whatever you do…don’t get stuck in the trees and don’t sink the boat! It is always a great source of entertainment!
- Tug of War: The one event that doesn’t take much skill – just raw strength. Watch out for the mountain boys. They know how to dig out the best trenches with their cowboy boots to get the best traction. It is pretty standard expectation that most will leave the event talking a little hoarse!
- The Grits: They seem to only get better with time. Back in the most early days of camp, schools were responsible for bringing all the necessary items to cook the meals for the week. FFA members pitched in to pack up ham, flour, eggs, salt, and grits to whip up family style meals. Then we headed into the catering eras of Dowless and Sandpiper…but one thing remains the same – fantastic grits every morning for breakfast amid sometimes questionable other items on the menu. Unless you’re from Eastern NC, the lunch made of Brightleaf “red” hot dogs is usually a culture shock to many! Oh…and don’t forget Melvin’s down the road if you get a real treat!
- The Puddle: If you’ve ever been to camp when a thunderstorm passed over…you know exactly what puddle I’m talking about. It’s a blessing and a curse all rolled into one. You don’t want to get your feet wet but need to cross through the area? You better take the long route. Need to quickly wash off your feet “camp style”? Feel free to wade on in and knock the sand off!
- Catching the Elusive Fish: In all my various visits to camp, including trips during all seasons of the year…I can count on one hand the times I’ve seen someone catch a legit fish in the lake. One time during college while working at the camp I decided to give it a try myself. I was casting the bait right over the huge bass lurking just off the rock wall and finally gave up after an hour. Haven’t tried since but it’s on my bucket list! I now chuckle at others trying their hand. Making memories!
11. The Swings: As a student I can remember sitting in the old wooden swing next to my advisor, discussing my plans for life after high school. Those conversations were crucial to my motivation to keep working towards my goals. In the time since then, I have tried to pay it forward with my own students. Camp creates a safe, relaxed atmosphere where quality relationships can be built. It allows me to connect with my students in a way that is not possible in my classroom. The look on their face when you jump in to play beach volleyball, or help make up a dance for the talent show, or help remove a splinter from their foot, translates to a stronger bond showing that we care. It brings people together young and old like no where else I have ever experienced outside of church.
And last but not least…
12. Bouncy Chairs. These originals are hot commodities to grab to sit for a spell. If you don’t understand it, read this link and then you need to visit to experience them yourself!
Remember folks…you might outgrow the jacket but you’ll never outgrow the experience! Attending FFA camp always renews my hope and spirit that North Carolina Agriculture is in good hands for the future!
NOTE: Visit the NC FFA Center’s page for more information on the history of this fantastic facility!
Farmer's Wife & A Southern Life 