Two Travelers Rest FFA Officers educate second graders about the components of FFA.
Down in Travelers Rest, something exciting awaited a group of second graders. Farm Day, a day dedicated to teaching agriculture to the next generation, was coming to Travelers Rest High School in South Carolina.
Just as the sun began to rise, several chapter members and officers worked together, transforming the school grounds into a hands-on wonderland. The vibrant spirit of agriculture was unleashed at yet another one of their annual farm days. By 9:30 a.m., the school grounds were buzzing with excitement, joy and laughter as students exited the bus and viewed an agricultural wonderland. Each group was guided by FFA members ready to share the magic of farm life.
Stations
Throughout the morning, students rotated between hands-on learning activities that blended fun, learning and a little friendly competition. Each cheered on their fellow classmates as teams raced through a tractor safety relay race, maneuvering their way through traffic cones while showing off their knowledge of tractor safety.
Nearby, another station brought to life the importance of soil health with handmade pipe cleaner flowers in soil pits, a charming keepsake for students to remember the day by. Meanwhile, a table lined with pelts drew in curious hands, letting students feel the textures of local wildlife and learn about trapping equipment. In addition, students explored the development and hatching of chickens by viewing the inside of fertilized eggs.
Across the fields, a gentle horse named Smokey became everyone’s favorite. Students learned the importance of equine care and the vital role horses play on farms. At the last station, FFA officers explained the importance of the blue jacket, sharing stories of leadership and teamwork. They showcased years of impactful memories locked up in a blue corduroy scrapbook. To end the fun, students played a ‘guess the animal sound’ game, sparking conversations about the different commodities farm animals provide.
A powerful partnership
Finally, to finish off the morning, the South Carolina Farm Bureau brought in a sweet treat for all, sending everyone home with sticky fingers and big smiles. However, for the Travelers Rest FFA Farm Day, agriculture isn’t just taught — it’s experienced, remembered and celebrated. But this wasn’t just an FFA production. Behind the scenes, a partnership helped bring the event to life. A collaboration between FFA and a local 4-H coordinator. Together, they united to make agricultural education accessible. And thanks to the teamwork between FFA and 4-H, it planted seeds of curiosity in the minds of a younger generation. Bringing to life the motto, “Living to Serve.”
