Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (April 5, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has been hosting summer camps in Minnesota for more than 60 years. This year five week-long educational and leadership summer camps have been planned to encourage youth to get involved. Campers have the chance to develop self-esteem, team building and leadership skills, all for under $100. 

“Minnesota Farmers Union is very proud of its leadership camp.  Every year we hear stories about how much the kids learn and how much fun they have at the same time,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “That fact that kids come back year after year is a testament to the great program we have, and you cannot beat the rates!” 

Kids gather from all across Minnesota to learn about cooperatives, how legislation is formed, the importance of being an active and responsible citizen, how to be a team player, develop leadership skills and build self-esteem. Campers also learn a lot about themselves as well as make lifelong friends with the other campers in attendance. There are also a lot of camp activities, from swimming to hiking to arts and crafts, campfires to theme nights. There is always something for every camper to enjoy.

As a long time camper Chandler Winkels Muff put it: “Camp is the experience of a lifetime.”

ST. PAUL (August 2, 2011) – Young adults from across the country spent a week in Bailey, Colorado July 10-16 at National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. Leaders in the Farmers Union youth program came together at the NFU Education Center to take part in cooperative activities and listen to several inspirational speakers. The camp was themed “Know Yourself, Know Your Options,” and included presentations by William Nelson, president of CHS Foundation, and Brittany Jablonsky and Jan Ahlen, NFU government relations representatives. 

“The world is run by people who show up,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Of the people who show up, there is a special elite group of people who end up being leaders. Those folks are like those who have gone to All-States Camp. All of those businesses and organizations are as good as their leadership and their leadership is only as good as those who show up at the meetings and are active at the meetings." 

St. Paul (June 28, 2011) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and Farmers Union Agency are having their 4th annual golf benefit for Lake Sarah youth camp on Thursday, July 28 at the Sandhill Golf Course in Fertile, Minnesota.

“Minnesota Farmers Union has a wonderful leadership camp on Lake Sarah in Erskine where youth develop self esteem, team building and leadership skills in a healthy camp setting. We are pleased to announce our annual golf benefit to support agriculture education,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “Lake Sarah is also used for campsites throughout the summer and all who use this beautiful facility appreciate the support and generosity of the contributors who help continue this tradition.” 

Start time for the golf benefit is 1:30 p.m. and costs $35 for nine holes and $45 for eighteen holes, which includes a buffet supper at the Sandhill Supper Club in Fertile. Non-golfers can purchase dinner for $15. A variety of prizes will be awarded during dinner. 

If you are interested in golfing; sponsoring a hole; or donating a prize to the golf benefit, or to the Lake Sarah campaign fund, please contact Ken Pazdernik at 218-206-4499, or pazdernik@loretel.net.  All donations are tax deductible. The Sandhill Golf Course is located at 44203 State Highway 32 SW in Fertile.

ST. PAUL (May 26, 2011) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) offers five week-long educational and leadership summer camps where youth get the chance to develop self esteem, team building and leadership skills, all for under $100. 

“Minnesota Farmers Union is very proud of its leadership camp.  Every year we hear stories about how much the kids learn and how much fun they have at the same time,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “That fact that kids come back year after year is a testament to the great program we have, and you cannot beat the rates!” 

Kids gather from all across Minnesota to learn about cooperatives; how legislation is formed; and the importance of being an active and responsible citizen.  They also learn a lot about themselves as well as the other campers in attendance. 

Farmers Union camp schedule:

Grades 3-5 ($70):

• June 20-24, Northern Elementary Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine;
• June 27-July 1, Southern Elementary Camp at Sibley State Park in New London.

Grades 6-8 ($95):

St. Paul (April 24, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union offers summer camps to kids across the state.

"Minnesota Farmers Union campers focus on learning practical coop principles by planning daily activities to develop leadership and cooperative skills," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "These youth camps provide an enjoyable setting with a rich and rewarding experience for campers of all ages."

Farmers Union camp is where campers can learn about each other and their varied backgrounds.  It allows for socializing in a healthy, learning environment centered around rural themes that improve their quality of life and leadership skills.  Activities include campfires, costume theme nights, along with recreational swimming, nature hikes and more.

Farmers Union camp schedule is as follows:

Grades 3-5 ($70):

• June 15-19: Southern Elementary Camp at Sibley State Park, New London.
• June 22-26: Northern Elementary Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine.

Grades 6-8 ($95):

• July 6-10: Northern Junior High Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine.
• July 20-24: Southern Junior High Camp at Sibley State Park in New London.

Grades 9-12 ($95):