North Dakota Ag Connection - Time to Register for Summer Camp

North Dakota Ag News Headlines

Time to Register for Summer Camp
North Dakota Ag Connection - 04/13/2012

Campfires, dances, leadership, games and more -- it's time to register for summer camp for North Dakota Farmers Union.

Farmers Union youth leaders anticipate a year of record-breaking attendance across the state at Farmers Union summer camps which get underway in June. Camps are divided out by junior and senior level age groups and early registration is advised.

"We wrap up a great deal of camp tradition like campfires, theme nights, dances, sports and swimming into an interactive program that builds teamwork and leadership skills," said Jennifer Sundeen, North Dakota Farmers Union education director. "People should register early to ensure they get into the camp that best fits their schedule. Some of the camps fill up fast!"

This year's camp theme is "Having the time of your life" and will focus on developing positive and constructive attitudes. Members of the State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) helped determine the camp theme and programming. The council meets three times during the year and attends two senior camps the following summer at no cost. The 2012 council members include: Paige Cote, daughter of Jeff and Barb Cote of Casselton; Kerstan Swift, daughter of John and Julie Grimm of Ellendale; Mikaela Long, daughter of Mike and Sue Long of Berlin; Lauren McMillan, daughter of Jeff and Ruleen McMillan of Wimbledon; and Cassidy Weber, daughter of Bradley and Jill Weber of New Rockford.

"One of the great things about being part of SYAC is to help create the ideas for camp," said Long. "It makes it worthwhile to help out with something that means so much to me. We can tell people about Farmers Union and what they can do and learn from camp. It's not just for farmers."

Weber agreed. "The best thing about camp is to meet new people and form amazing friendships. It's helped me create another family outside of my own. Kids can start with day class and see what Farmers Union can do for you. It can make you compassionate, patient and understanding. I want to show kids how amazing Farmers Union is."

According to McMillan, the first day of camp is the best. "I know I've still got a whole week left with all these people to make some pretty awesome memories. You meet some of the best people in the world at camp."

Cote commented, "I love camp. Farmers Union is the peanut to my butter. I love everything about camp -- especially the rock wall. I just want to share my experiences with everyone."

That seems to be a recurring theme. Swift added, "I like how I can go to camp and not have to worry about what people think. When you go, you just feel like nothing else matters. Camp feels like my second home. I love it."

Specially trained counselors from all around North Dakota will facilitate activities and supervise the campers this summer. As with all Farmers Union camps, youth will organize and operate their own cooperative -- a camp store -- as part of the educational focus on cooperatives. The Farmers Union camp counselors follow a curriculum that encourages campers to enhance their public speaking, cooperation, listening, and interpersonal skills. More than 1,000 young people were involved with camps last year, learning about cooperatives, leadership, citizenship and community.

As well as the camp program, the Farmers Union youth program also includes county level day classes for youth grades 1-12.

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