Planting the seeds of future career options
The thoughts of a farmer riding a tractor in a field come to mind when most think of agriculture.
But there's so much more.
Much more.
And that's what students who attended this summer's CTE "AgriScience Everywhere" Camp discovered.
Sponsored by the West Shore ESD at the West Michigan Research Station in Oceana County for one week in July, students learned that future career opportunities in AgriScience are endless. From packaging to technology, from
biology to horticulture, the many fields connected to the agriculture industry cover the range.
"There's so much agriculture in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties," said Instructor Erika Fatura, who leads the program. "The diversity of AgriScience is huge, and this makes it possible to open up students' eyes to see what's all available to them right here in their midst."
For example, technology such as drones and robots are a growing presence in farming today
Nineteen 5th-8th graders participated in this year's summer camp, and along with hands-on lessons, trips are also part of the camp curriculum.
In the past, students visited Peterson Farms and Lewis Farm.
This summer, they enjoyed educational outings to Country Dairy in New Era and Arbre Farms in Walkerville.
They also spent the last day of camp with CTE AgriScience teacher Mark Willis whose class is located on the campus of West Shore Community College.
This experience offered students the chance to see how they could choose AgriScience as a beneficial college and career path, both in high school through CTE and later in higher education.
The role of camp director is perfect for Erika, who grew up on a big crop family farm.
She started the summer camp a few years ago and it's been a popular learning opportunity for youngsters in our area.
Erika is the middle school and high school teacher at Pentwater, where she also coaches.
She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Michigan State.
One thing's for sure: "AgriScience Everywhere" definitely plants seeds in young minds that will flourish in positive ways later in their lives.
