Camp Descriptions

Day Camps

MFU day camps are the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to summer camp programming and cooperative values. Day Camp session programming provides a mix of introductory perspectives on local co-operatives and farm life through daily local field trips as well as teambuilding games and activities for youth ages 6 to 8. The final day includes an ‘agricultural Olympics competition’ featuring activities such as seed art and butter carving. Campers should bring their own packed lunches daily but snacks will be provided.

A typical day includes:

  • A morning circle after 9 a.m. drop off to greet each other, get acquainted and go over the day’s plan.
  • A drive in the camp van to a local farm, co-op, or farmers market tour.
  • Picnic style group lunch.
  • Group games followed by free choice activities either outdoors, or back at the MFU building in case of rain.
  • An afternoon reflective circle up before 4 p.m. pick up.

Elementary Camps

Elementary Campers get to dip their toes in overnight camp with four days and three nights of games, activities, lessons, and campfires!

Camp includes:

  • Serving ages 8 to 11, Elementary Campers get to learn the broad strokes of what it takes to run a co-op store as a team, Minnesota Farmers Union history, and current issues in local agriculture from competent and caring staff.
  • Campers are able to swim, craft, and play all camp games together that promote positive relationship building and teamwork.
  • Campers dine on made-from-scratch foods with local ingredients from our wonderful kitchen team.

Junior Camps

Junior Campers enjoy five days unplugged as they delve deeper into Farmers Union Camps.

Camp includes:

  • Junior campers get to learn the details and skills it takes to make decisions as a co-op store leader as well as the history of the Minnesota Farmers Union, and current issues in local agriculture from competent and caring camp staff team.
  • Campers are able to swim, craft, and play camp games together to promote positive relationship building and teamwork while dining on made-from-scratch foods with local ingredients from our wonderful kitchen team.
  • Campers also get to learn more about future opportunities such as YAC and Torchbearers in the Farmers Union Youth Programing, should they return for Senior Camp.

Senior Camps

Our oldest campers enjoy six days of cooperation at Senior Camp. Offered to campers ages 14-18, programing at Senior Camp is structured to provide a mix of learning and exposure to current events in agriculture and civics, as well as time for youth leaders to explore leadership opportunities and relationship building. Seniors will still get time to relax and reset with games, swimming, and crafts while dining on made-from-scratch foods with local ingredients from our wonderful kitchen team.

More opportunities:

  • Youth Advisory Committee Opportunity at Senior Camp - Campers going into their junior or senior year of high school get the chance to run for our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to serve as peer leaders and assist the administration in activities, lessons, and new curriculum and practices at camp. This is a prestigious honor within the Farmers Union education program. YAC members are expected not only to be exemplary peer leaders while at camp but must also attend several council meetings throughout the year to discuss camp related programing and policy as well as a day of staff training prior to their camp session.
  • Torchbearer Award Opportunity at Senior Camp - The Torchbearer Award is given to exceptional graduates of our leadership camps each year and is the highest honor available to participants in our youth education programs. Since 1941, Torchbearers have been honored at Minnesota Farmers Union annual State Convention. Becoming a torchbearer marks the conclusion of a young adult’s work in the Farmers Union youth programing and the beginning of their adult leadership role in Farmers Union.
  • To become a Torchbearer a young person must complete four years of senior camp and represent Minnesota at the National Farmers Union All-States convention. At All-States campers may run for the National Youth Advisory Committee (NYAC). Please contact our Director of Education and Camp at audrey@mfu.org for more information on attending all states and becoming a Torchbearer.