Farmers Union day camp teaches youth about agriculture, cooperatives

During Codington/Hamlin County Farmers Union day camp, youth learned about the state’s agricultural industry as well as the impact cooperatives have on their daily lives.

This year’s camp celebrated South Dakota Farmers Union’s centennial with the theme, Growing Stronger with Cooperation, Celebrating 100 Years. Campers learned how cooperatives work, and the diversity found within South Dakota’s agriculture industry.

Throughout the day camp, held at the Bramble Park Zoo, South Shelter, Watertown, on June 29, youth participated in interactive activities and hands-on crafts, which also taught them about the importance of working together and team building.

“Agriculture and cooperatives play such valuable roles in our rural communities; we developed our camp curriculum to teach youth about the impact they have on their own lives in a fun and interactive way,” said Bonnie Geyer, State Farmers Union Education Director.

Along with activities, games and singing, each child crafted Ag Badges to teach them about the many different aspects of agriculture in South Dakota. Each child received a free T-shirt, courtesy of the Farmers Union Insurance Agency.

Helping at this year’s Codington/Hamlin County Farmers Union Camp were: Summer Staff Intern Alyson Hauck, De Smet; Summer Staff Intern Elizabeth Reddy, Aberdeen.