What can be more awesome than kids and animals? How about teenagers serving their community by hosting an educational day that includes grade school children and animals? Agriculture education came to life when the Deer Park FFA Chapter held their annual Farm/Ag Safety Day on September 27th. Farm/Ag Safety Day is a hands-on inquiry-based learning day, where FFA members teach Deer Park Elementary students about agriculture.
Planned and organized by high school FFA members under the leadership of Deer Park FFA Advisor Erica Whitmore, this year at Farm/Ag Safety Day there were 13 booths where children learned about bees, chickens, pigs, cows (beef/dairy), sheep, and even alpacas.
Students from Deer Park High School teacher Kevin Kernan’s welding classes were also represented, showing the basics of how to weld and the purpose behind it. The high schoolers brought along some amazing welding technology that they had made so the children could see examples of their work.
Community members were also there volunteering including: Adam Manson of Highland Honey Farm, speaking about honey and bees, Stephanie Littrel of Dunrenton Ranch, who brought three dairy heifers for the children to pet, Jerry and Mary Guhlke, who discussed modes of transportation such as mules and horses with sleighs and buggies, Spokane County 4-H member Porter Whitmore and Gunner Breckner, sharing opportunities for youth, and Stevens County Deputy Travis Feldner speaking about water safety.
In all, 27 FFA members engaged with 453 elementary children and more than 50 adults, incorporating a day of learning and mentorship. The FFA chapter would like to thank the Clayton Community Fair Board for the use of their fairgrounds.
