Generations of students have attended the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center more commonly known as FFA Camp over the past 87 years.
The Camp which was started in 1937 has been a great experience for both FFA members and other students who have spent time there. One landmark you have seen for years as you drive up the road has been the familiar administration building. Students will no longer view that historic building next year as a brand new state-of-the-art multipurpose building that will be standing in the place of the old facility.
Thursday a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the camp to prepare for construction to begin in the near future. Current and former employees, teachers and campers gathered to remember the days of the old building and to witness history being made by saying goodbye to the old and hello to the future. Stories were shared about past experiences of sitting on the couches playing games, watching movies, the teachers rocking in the chairs on the front porch and waiting for the one pay phone to become available to call home and talk to family.
Will Clements is the vice president of the Union County FFA and on the Camp Council this week. He doesn’t remember how the building was used but has heard stories from his teachers.
click to download audioDr. Pete Dreisbach served as camp director and was present for the ceremony and shared some of his memories.
click to download audioDr. Pete as he was known came to run the camp from serving as a teacher at Western Kentucky University and loved it so much he decided to stay.
click to download audioCaldwell County native and current agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at McLean County Benji Kilgore enjoyed hearing those sharing their memories but also is excited about the future building for the students.
click to download audioHe remembered some good times at the building as a student and also the adjoining pavilion.
click to download audioKentucky State Representative Steven Rudy from the First District was very instrumental in securing over 7 million dollars in funding to construct the new facility.
click to download audioRudy himself is a former camper and employee at the Camp.
click to download audioPlans are to begin removing the old building in the new future and begin construction shortly afterward. The camp has hosted over 2000 students this summer and with the new addition will be able to serve more students in the upcoming years. The new facility will be called “The Rising Son Center”.
