updates

FFA Camp Letter and Packing List, 2026 Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate, National FFA Band, Chorus & Talent Apps - DUE July 14, 2026

Sarina Voegel

July 7, 2026

Items in this listserv:

ALWAYS HERE: includes information that remains relevant from week to week. New updates are added as needed.

  • HOT, HOT, HOT - NEW THIS YEAR - Weekly listserv messages from Mindy Bunselmeyer will be posted at 10:00 a.m. on every Tuesday when there is something to share.  

URGENT Information from JudgingCard.com

  • To keep your account in good standing, please pay balances by June and December 15 of each year.  IF NOT paid, your Judging Card account will be BLOCKED.  

  • CDE - payments go to Judgingcard

  • FFA Convention & Conferences & IAVAT - payments to FFA Center

  • On July 1 and January 15, unpaid past-due balances may incur a 10% fee (minimum $25). 

****NEW Information****

  1. FFA Camp Letter and Packing List

  2. 2026 Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate

  3. National FFA Band, Chorus & Talent Apps - DUE July 14, 2026

  4. Illinois Beef - Ribeye Coral Needs Assistance

  5. Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters John Deere Gator Raffle Winner

  1.  FFA Camp Letter and Packing List

       

Here are a few items we recommend you bring to make camp the BEST EVER:      

  • Sleeping bag & pillow (bunk bed style accommodations in cabins)

  • Appropriate clothing - (t-shirts are great - several changes)  Shorts that fully cover your bottom. 

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellant

  • Towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and any other toiletries – good hygiene is expected and appreciated. 

  • Bring footwear appropriate for outdoor showers. 

  • Pair of old tennis shoes - so you can run and walk in them comfortably, but can also get dirty or wet or both. 

  • Snacks (remember, there are no refrigerators in cabins), and vending machines are available at times during the camp experience. 

  • Sports equipment (ball gloves, bats, football, softball, frisbee, etc.) 

  • Flashlight - with batteries - don’t always count on a phone flashlight!

  • Fan

  • Money - not much, but may want to bring some to buy lemonade shake ups from Salt Fork FFA.  Click here to check out their flyer.  

Here is the letter emailed to all advisors and campers.  

A GREAT attitude for the Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Experience!

  1.  2026 Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate

Illinois FFA is pleased to announce that Owen Torrance, the 2024 - 2025 Illinois FFA State Secretary, is our 2026 Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate.    On behalf of Illinois FFA, we all wish Owen the very best of luck!

  1.  National FFA Band, Chorus & Talent Apps - DUE July 14, 2026

(https://convention.ffa.org/band-chorus-talent/).

Each National FFA Band, Chorus or Talent application requires (4) items:

  1. Online application

2. $40 non-refundable application fee

3. Recorded audition

4. Advisor Approval

More Information

Applications are due Tuesday, July 14, 2026,  State Staff and applicants will be notified of each application’s status by Friday, August 14, 2026.

  1.  Illinois Beef - Ribeye Coral Needs Assistance

Illinois Beef, needs assistance working the booth during the Illinois State Fair. As a volunteer, you will receive an admission pass in advance (if you sign up before August 10th) or be reimbursed for your admission ticket (if you sign up after August 10th). We will also reimburse you for your parking fee, plus you will get a free t-shirt. 

Please email paige@illinoisbeef.com  or meagan@illinoisbeef.com to sign up. Or feel free to call the IBA office at (217-787-4280) and mention you are signing up for Ribeye Corral, and a staff member will be willing to help you. Appreciate your support and hope to see you at Ribeye Corral this year! Paige Berkmeyer, Program Manager 

  1.  Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Gator Raffle Winner

The Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters John Deere Gator Raffle was a great success, raising $35,500 and selling 5,880 tickets.  Congratulations to Micki Overton Hall from Mattoon FFA on winning the 2026 John Deere Gator.  Mattoon FFA will receive $300 for selling the winning ticket.  The Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Council members drew two additional raffle tickets, and each chapter will receive $250:  Mattoon FFA and Geneseo FFA.  Thank you to everyone who bought or sold tickets.  The 40% Raffle Rebate Checks will be sent to FFA or Alumni Chapters at the end of August.  

-- Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois FFA Center

Phone: 217-753-3328

Cell: 217-412-5646

Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702