Up to Discussions in Marketing Your Ag. Program

This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (4 pts) 3 "helpful" answers available (2 pts)
4 Replies Last post: Jun 27, 2008 1:11 PM by jgeisler  
Click to view lholt's profile  
lholt
24 posts since
Oct 3, 2007

Jun 19, 2008 3:47 PM

Tour ideas at National Convention


Although National Convention is months away, our group of school that travels to Indy is already looking into our itinerary for the trip. We like to get a jump on the tickets for concerts when they are available and also like to have our plans set at the beginning of school. I would like to know if anyone has found any good tours in and around Indy or do you have any inside information on getting a better tour or is there a place that should be totally avoided?

We found out our first year that you should pay for the upgraded tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (around $12?) and you can get out of the van to "kiss the bricks" as well as going into the press center.

We are considering doing the "Day of Service" program at National Convention but feel like there isn't much information available. Has anyone done this and what did you think?

Tags: national_convention
Click to view jwherley's profile  
jwherley
30 posts since
Oct 3, 2007
1. Jun 20, 2008 10:34 AM in response to: lholt
Re: Tour ideas at National Convention

Great Question! I am interested in the Day of Service as well, but would like to know more about it. If you are interested in other tours, we toured two places I and the kids LOVE! We went to the Elk Farm in Bainbridge and it was awesome! Very educational and FUN!! I think it was an hour/45 minute West of Indy if you are coming that way. Also, we also tour the NCAA hall of fame, which is pretty interesting. They always have a scavenger hunt that is pretty competitive. It lasts about 1-2 hours tops.
Click to view sammy.cox's profile  
sammy.cox
6 posts since
Jun 19, 2008
2. Jun 21, 2008 5:30 PM in response to: jwherley
Re: Tour ideas at National Convention
My students and I have participated the last 2 years in the days of service. 2006 we worked Indy Parks and 2007 we helped out at MapleLeaf Farm. We had a great time and they learned alot about service. We have plans of participating agian in 2008.
Click to view Nina's profile  
Nina
45 posts since
Dec 15, 2007
3. Jun 22, 2008 10:13 AM in response to: lholt
Re: Tour ideas at National Convention

A great place to take students is Conner Prairie, north of the city in Fishers. It's a historical farm (1860's style without machines with living history portrayals). They had an organized tour leaving from the convention last year but if you've got your own transportation you can go on any day. They have a couple of ag specialist who love to talk to our kids because they ask good questions about agriculture and farming rather than the typical "Is that cow real?" that they get from the Indiana 4th graders.

The day of service is expanding this year because of increased demand. They actually had to turn schools away last year because of its popularity. The 2nd edition of the Advisor's Planning Guide will have more details when it comes out the first of August. If you want info now, you can call Michelle Sullivan at the FFA center, she's in charge of this year's events, 317-802-6060.

Just as an added piece of info, while you've turned your students lose in the career show, be sure to head toward the back to the teachers' interactive classrooms. We'll have a variety of 1 hour workshops on everything from inquiry based learning to biofuels. We'll also have the school officials' and eductors' workroom that will have lots of goodies, a place to sit down, and refreshments.

Click to view jgeisler's profile  
jgeisler
5 posts since
Nov 20, 2007
4. Jun 27, 2008 1:11 PM in response to: Nina
Re: Tour ideas at National Convention

My students participated in Day of Service last year and absolutely loved it!! It was one of their favorite parts about convention; not to mention, they received a free t-shirt and a break from wearing official dress for a few hours. I think we had students in 4 different locations, but the one that I heard the best reviews from was the Indy Parks/Kessler beautification project. They also worked in Mapleleaf Farms, Jameson Camp, and the horse camp. I agree with Nina, make sure you register for convention early if you want to participate in Day of Service. We registered the 3rd day that it was available, and I had to break up the students into groups because we couldn't get one large group registered. It actually worked out nicely though, because students could pick what they were the most interested in.

We toured Allison Transmission & Dow AgroSciences during convention. My students enjoyed Allison quite a bit, but weren't as interested in Dow. If you want to go for a really long drive (2 hours in a mini-bus), I recommend Fairoaks Farms. I've been there both as a college student and with my students for another trip and it is amazing. The immense size of the dairy farm, along with the technology that they use is incredible. Plus, you receive free milk & ice cream, which is always a bonus for students.

Other places that I've toured that I enjoyed included Indiana Packers (pork processing facility), Elanco, ADM, & Caterpillar. I also agree with Conner Prairie, although I haven't been there since the 4th grade. But what I remember of it, it was pretty fun!

Actions

More Like This