By Scout Nelson
South Dakota youth aged 6 to 18 are invited to join Farmers Union Camps, which offer fun and engaging activities with an educational focus. There are three camp options to choose from—Day Camps, Youth Camps, and Leadership Camps.
Farmers Union Day Camps are available in 54 of South Dakota’s 66 counties. Organized by local volunteers and supported by the SDFU Education Team, these camps teach farm safety and cooperative education.
Each camp is unique, featuring local guest speakers and tailored lessons. One memorable demonstration uses a watermelon to show the importance of wearing a helmet when riding 4-wheelers.
The camps aim to make safety education enjoyable and impactful for children. Activities help kids understand the risks on farms and how to behave safely, even if they don’t live on a farm. With more youth becoming disconnected from agriculture, these lessons help bridge the gap in awareness.
Older campers can attend the State Youth Camp, where they learn about cooperatives, leadership, and agriculture through interactive sessions. In 2024, campers explored animal digestion and toured a veterinary clinic. The 2025 camp will focus on renewable and non-renewable resources and the role of farmers in environmental protection.
Teens interested in leadership can join the Junior or Senior Advisory Councils. These roles allow them to plan and lead camp activities while developing public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Some students even credit the camp experience for inspiring their future career paths.
Farmers Union Camps are more than summer fun—they build valuable life skills, friendships, and a strong connection to agriculture. To learn more or register, visit www.sdfu.org under the Education tab.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, General