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PURPOSE: Combine the energy and talent of high school and college students led by local FFA chapters to identify, plan, partner and complete a community initiative that helps people Come Alive Outside.

PROCESS: Alabama FFA chapters and their assigned Auburn University Mentors will engage the experience, expertise and support of JP Horizons, John Deere and Green Industry leaders to plan and execute Come Alive Outside Community Events. The focus of a CAO Community event can be one of the following, or one you create yourselves:

Develop and host a community event that focuses on the importance of "Unstructured Play." – Can your event help children and parents rediscover the magic of simply playing outside? Unstructured play means risking a few skinned knees to enjoy the thrills of skateboards, bikes, swing sets, playing tag, skipping rope, catching bugs, climbing trees, building a “fort” or playing driveway basketball.

A park renovation project – working with the parks and recreation district in a community, students coordinate and do the clean-up of an outdoor space along with planning an opening or celebration of some sort. An example might be reconstructing a nature trail that has been worn down from erosion or overgrown from neglect.

Help Seniors Come Alive Outside - Students bring Senior Citizens together from a senior center or nursing home community to enjoy an outside experience. An example

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would be to hold an old-fashioned community picnic inviting seniors to teach their favorite childhood outdoor games.

Create an awareness of Healthy Lifestyles within an organization including your schools or FFA chapter. Consider an outdoor event that engages parents and faculty in a competition with students.

FOR REAL EXAMPLES OF EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN KANSAS LAST YEAR GO TO www.comealiveoutside.com and click on the Come Alive Outside Challenge.

PAYOFF:

FFA Students

Are introduced to the real opportunities in the GREEN INDUSTRY and the WHY behind helping people COME ALIVE OUTSIDE

Become engaged in a character-building, leadership experience that will help in their careers

Have the opportunity to conduct a great project for their community and qualify for a $1,500.00 gift for their chapter

Auburn University Student Mentors

Are able to gain leadership skills in helping guide a group of FFA students through a COME ALIVE OUTSIDE project

Have a wonderful accomplishment to add to their resume and have the opportunity to win a $1,000.00 scholarship if their FFA team wins

Benefit by writing a 500-word essay on the best things learned through the Come Alive Outside Challenge experience