Farmers Union Youth and Camps

NDFU provides camp opportunities to young Farmers Union members each summer. More than 1,400 youth participate in cooperative-focused leadership camps annually. Camps are throughout the state at North Dakota campsites, so less travel is required for youth and their families. Check out the camp video!

Download the registration forms here!


2013 Camp Dates


4 day, 3 night camps for grades 3-6: $75 cost

  • Heart Butte Farmers Union Camp - near Elgin
  • Wesley Acres Bible Camp - near Dazey
  • Camp of the Cross - near Garrison
  • Upper Missouri Ministries - near Epping

Transportation to and from camp may be provided by your county where feasible.

Get the camp registration form here!


5 day, 4 night camps for grades 7-12: $125 cost

  • Heart Butte Farmers Union Camp on Lake Tschida - near Elgin

Transportation to and from camp may be provided by NDFU where feasible.

Get the camp registration form here!

 

Camp Education

At North Dakota Farmers Union camps, attendees learn about the cooperative business model by organizing and operating their own store and selling snacks, beverages, and camp souvenirs. Campers are educated on real-life issues affecting their generation through hands-on lessons in:

  • Volunteerism
  • Government
  • Cultural diversity
  • Legislative process
  • Mock trials
  • Patriotism

Campers enjoy a variety of games and activities that round out the camp experience:

  • Swimming
  • Singing
  • Theme nights
  • Sports
  • Dancing
  • Campfires

Award Opportunities

As an incentive for attending day classes and camp, several award trips are offered to participants:

  • Junior Youth Awards for Grades 1-6
    • Sixth Grade Award
    • Flicker Award
  • Senior Youth Awards for Grades 7-12
    • Third Year Award Tour
    • Camp Kick-off (grades 7-8)
    • All-States Camp - "Cream of the Crop" of Farmers Union Youth
    • Torchbearers Award

 

Leadership

At summer camps, youth vote for representatives to serve on the State Youth Advisory Committee (SYAC). The 2013 elected leaders include:

Adam Long of Berlin

Dakota Jilek of Dickinson

RaeLyn Leier of Fargo

Forrest Carlson of Glenburn

Kyle Knutson of Kathryn

Each council member serves as a liaison for the NDFU youth program and helps define issues that impact youth today. The board was elected by their peers during Farmers Union senior camps throughout the summer. The council meets three times during the year and attend two senior camps the following summer at no cost.

Rochelle Bitz

Rochelle Bitz
Napoleon, N.D.

"Camp has always been the ultimate summer adventure. Every year, I learned someting new and came home the happiest kid alive. Farmers Union has given me so many opportunities and helped shape me into the person I am today. I'm excited to come back to camp this year as a counselor and help camers to have some of the same awesome experiences I had."

Photo Gallery