JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – North Dakota Farmers Union is celebrating a 90-year milestone with the start of its youth summer camping program in June. “What began on the shores of Spiritwood Lake near Jamestown in 1934 is still going strong today,” said NDFU Education Director Miranda Letherman. “The longevity of our program is a direct reflection of basic ideals and activities we implement that never grow old.”

Last summer, more than 1,200 farm and city kids from across the state attended a four- or five-day camp at Farmers Union facilities near Elgin on Lake Tschida and the Jamestown Reservoir. Junior camps are open for kids who have completed grades 3-6 and senior camps for kids who have completed grades 7-12.

Letherman said lots of fun and learning are mixed into traditional camp activities like swimming, sports and singing around a campfire. “Farmers Union Camp is a positive environment where kids can be themselves and build team and leadership skills. They also learn how a cooperative business functions by transforming the camp canteen into a working cooperative,” she said.

Farmers Union provides free bus transportation to and from camp facilities, along with scholarships for kids needing financial assistance. Youths who register by May 15 also receive a discount. To learn more about Farmers Union’s summer camp program, go to ndfu.org.