Leadership Camp
Farmers Union Youth Leadership Camps are all about helping young people become good citizens by planting the seeds of responsibility, leadership and cooperation in an environment where those qualities can grow and flourish.
If you are interested in being an MFU Camp counselor please click here!
Camp registration opens January 1
Our camp is affordable and open to everyone, regardless of your current or past farming background. It’s all about helping young people become good citizens by planting the seeds of responsibility, leadership and cooperation in an environment where those qualities can grow and flourish.
A Common Foundation
Campers have opportunities to develop these qualities through some of the simple, day-to-day tasks at camp. These activities provide a common foundation for all campers to share the responsibility of making camp a fun, safe place to be and are the foundation of developing cooperation skills that can last a lifetime.
There are other ways campers can develop their leadership and cooperation skills, too. Some may choose to share a special skill on talent night or run for a director’s position on the board of the camp’s cooperative concession store.
Leadership & Cooperation Skills
Leadership and cooperation happen at all levels of Farmers Union Leadership Camp, and sometimes these skills are demonstrated in an act as simple as helping a younger camper with a craft project or assembling a costume to wear at a theme night.
Campers develop strong leadership roles by participating in groups where campers are taught the importance of legislation and how it can affect their community, and how to become an effective leader. Farmers Union Leadership campers can make a difference in their communities.
MFU strives to provide an environment that continually fosters growth for young people. One of the many ways the organization achieves this is by allowing campers to take an active role in shaping the educational component of camp. The Youth Advisory Council is elected each year by their peers at Senior Camp, and throughout the year discuss, select, and build the base for the annual educational theme.
Activities and Fun
But camp isn’t only about education. It’s also about providing a safe environment where campers can hang out, be kids and have fun. Campers get to sing at campfires and dress up in crazy costumes for theme-night. They can swim, play games, go on nature hikes and much more.
Most of all, campers can meet young people from throughout the state – both urban & rural with whom they can build lifelong friendships.
Camp Dates & Cost
Explore camping options and dates by age category. Camp registration opens January 1.
Northern Camp 2025
(Ages 9-13)
Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27
MFU Lake Sarah Campground
20049 Campground Rd SE
Erskine, MN 56535
Southern Elementary Camp 2025
(Ages 8-11)
Tuesday, July 8 - Friday, July 11
Sibley State Park
800 Sibley Park Road NE
New London, MN 56273
Southern Junior Camp 2025
(Ages 11-14)
Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18
Sibley State Park
800 Sibley Park Road NE
New London, MN 56273
Senior High Camp 2025
(Ages 14-18)
Sunday, July 20 - Friday, July 25
Sibley State Park
800 Sibley Park Road NE
New London, MN 56273
Theme Nights 2024
Take a look at the 2024 theme nights below!
Fairytale Night (Northern Camp, Elementary, Junior & Senior Camp)
Step into a world where fairytales come to life! Let your imagination soar as you transform into your favorite fairytale character – whether it's a graceful knight, a brave princess, a mischievous fairy, or a daring wizard. With enchanting decorations and whimsical music, embark on a journey with us that will be filled with wonder and make-believe.
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Beach Night (Northern Camp, Elementary, Junior & Senior Camp)
Get ready to soak up the sun vibe with your friends at our beach theme night! Dive into the summer spirit as you don your most fabulous beach attire – whether it’s your most colorful Hawaiian shirt or a flowy sundress, or even your best boat wear! We just know you'll be transported to a beachside paradise right in the heart of camp. So grab your sunglasses, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready to make a splash at the hottest theme night of the summer!
Rockstar Night (Northern Camp, Junior & Senior Camp)
Channel your inner rock legend as you dress to impress in leather jackets, ripped jeans, and studded accessories. Whether you're channeling the rebellious spirit of a punk rocker, the glamor of a stadium headliner, or the retro vibes of a classic rocker, it's time to take center stage and show off your style. Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar and let the rhythm of the night carry you away into a world of music. We can’t wait to see who will steal the show and become the ultimate camp rockstar!
Banquet Night
A camp tradition! Put on your best dress clothes and join us for an evening of fine dining, fine music, and camp awards.
Throwback Night (Senior High Camp Only)
Miss dressing like you did in middle or elementary school? Dig out an old photo of yourself and recreate the look at our Throwback Theme Night! Bring back the styles of yesteryear as we pay tribute to our younger selves, whether that means you dress like you did ten years ago, or ten months ago. We always love to see your old camp theme night pictures, but everyone is welcome to pick their favorite photo of their younger self!
COVID Precautions
To keep camp safe and open to as many families as possible, please note the following precautions.
These guidelines may be adjusted throughout the summer season as the CDC and ACA release new information.
Before Camp
- Do not bring your child to camp if they are sick or feel ill.
- For two weeks before camp, keep your family’s travel and interactions outside your household as limited as possible.
- If your child has symptoms of COVID or tests positive for COVID at any point during the two weeks prior to camp, they will not be permitted to attend camp this summer.
At Camp
- If a camper becomes ill, a parent or guardian must be available to pick up their camper(s) within six hours. The camper will be separated from the other campers until the parent or guardian is able to pick them up from camp.
- Health Screening: Upon arrival campers’ temperature will be taken and they will be asked health screening questions like:
- Within the last three weeks, has someone in your household tested positive for COVID-19?
- Are you currently experiencing any symptoms of illness?
- Do you have any concerns with abiding by our COVID precautions while at MFU Leadership Camp?
- Health and Sanitary Protocols: Our cleaning protocols will be expanded and increased. We will provide multiple sanitizing and hand washing stations around the camp. Each activity will also have the necessary cleaning supplies to disinfect all equipment and areas between groups.
- Daily Health Screenings: Each cabin counselor will perform a camper health screening at the beginning of each day. Temperature will be taken, and heath questions asked. A record of these screenings will be kept for three months after the conclusion of camp.
After Camp
In the two weeks following camp, please inform us if anyone in your household becomes sick and/or tests positive for COVID.
Cabin Life
Each cabin will have fans to create air flow. This will ensure the air within cabins circulates regularly and, as a bonus, keep cabin temperatures more comfortable in the heat of summer.
Cabin Staff
This summer we will be hiring fantastic counselors and cooks. The hiring and screening process will remain the same. We will have a designated health supervisor onsite all summer to enforce COVID precautions, provide care, and distribute meds.