JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – North Dakota Farmers Union announced today that it is offering discounts to any youth who registers early for Farmers Union Camp between now and May 15. The state’s largest grassroots youth camping program for rural and urban kids gets underway June 10.

Camps are divided into junior and senior level age groups for kids in grades 3-6 and 7-12. Fifteen separate four- and five-day camps are held throughout the summer at sites near Valley City and Elgin with free transportation provided. More than 1,000 youth attended Farmers Union Camp last year.

“The program is designed to highlight the individuality in all youth,” said Bri Sorensen, NDFU Youth Education Supervisor. “Our camp counselors encourage positive and constructive attitudes in a fun environment. Kids participate in traditional activities like swimming and singing around the campfire, but we also incorporate team building exercises and leadership activities. The camp theme this year is ‘Have Courage and Be Kind.’”

Sorensen also said youth organize and operate their own cooperative – a camp store – as part of the program’s educational focus on cooperatives. In the past three years, youth have donated more than $9,400 in camp store dividends to charities across the state.

To learn more and to register for a $25 discount off the camp fee, go to ndfu.org/youth. Scholarships are also available in most counties for students needing fee assistance. Call Sorensen at 701-952-1404 for more information.