PARTICIPATE — Eight students in Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s early childhood education program attended the annual Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Fall Leadership training in Perrysville. Those attending were, from left, Alyssa Bonecutter, Ava Carey, Madison West, Bella Price, Hayden Shurak-Wood, Dianna Bonecutter, ECE instructor Amy Rusnak, Lyla Navarro and Donta’ Jones. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Early childhood education students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School learned about working together and building skills during the annual Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Fall Leadership training session.

Eight students attended the event at Camp Nuhop in Perrysville on Oct. 21-22, where they joined roughly 150 other FCCLA members from across the state. Amy Rusnak, JVS FCCLA chapter adviser, said it was a chance for her pupils to meet others and learn all about leadership.

“FCCLA Fall Leadership is an exciting opportunity for Ohio FCCLA members to connect, collaborate and grow. This statewide event focuses on developing strong leadership skills, strengthening team dynamics, and deepening their understanding of FCCLA programs,” Rusnak said. “Through interactive workshops, and hands-on activities, students were able to gain practical tools and insights that translate into real world success.”

She added that students participated in a wide range of engaging, skill-building experiences, such as high-adventure challenges on a giant, 50-foot swing and several team-building “Minute-to-Win-It”-style games. There also were collaboration activities included creating a specific shape with a large rope while blindfolded and taking part in an interactive “get-to-know-you” movement activity where participants shifted positions based on shared interests. The youth also attended workshops focused on professional dress, explored the four-part planning process by developing a conference-ready tool concept, and learned about the national programs offered through FCCLA.

“These varied experiences supported both personal growth and the development of leadership, communication, and professional skills,” Rusnak continued. “My students were highly engaged and responded very positively to the camp experience.”

She said they are now are eager to begin developing their FCCLA competition projects, with many expressing clear goals of qualifying for state or even national-level competitions.