Beadle County Day Camp planned July 22

From electricity and Internet access to banking and farm inputs, rural residents throughout South Dakota depend upon cooperative businesses for access to many essential products and services. To celebrate cooperatives’ roles in their communities, Farmers Union organizations across the state will host day camps for rural youth.

This year’s camp celebrates South Dakota Farmers Union’s centennial with the theme, Growing Stronger with Cooperation, Celebrating 100 Years.

All youth, ages 6-13, are invited to attend Beadle County Farmers Union’s day camp scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, at the Campus Center in Blackburn Hall, 333 Ninth St S.W.

Through interactive activities and crafts, day campers will learn about cooperation and other topics including agriculture and leadership.

Sponsors of the day’s activities are Person-Anderson Farmers Union Insurance Agency, Hotchkiss Audio, Dakota Energy Cooperative, Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, South Dakota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance Agency and the CHS Foundation.

Camp is free to members’ children and $10 for non-members’ children. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Camp activities will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, youth will also learn about the role Farmers Union has played in South Dakota over the last 100 years.

“We look forward to sharing the many roles that cooperatives play in our lives every day in a fun and interactive way,” said Jessica Hotchkiss, Beadle County Farmers Union Education Director. “We encourage local youth to attend camp for the opportunity to learn many important lessons and develop life skills. Young South Dakotans will learn about teamwork, agriculture and leadership, while having fun in a safe and friendly environment.”

Campers will also participate in an agriculture activity that will teach them about diversity in agriculture across South Dakota and the nation as well as a safety demonstration by Matt Huls, Rescue Coordinator for Wheat Growers.

Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch, with a snack to be provided. There will also be swimming at Splash Central so bring a suit, towel and a pass, if available. Campers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes for activities. All campers will receive a free T-shirt, courtesy of the Farmers Union Insurance Agency.

Registration forms can be found online at www.sdfu.org. You can also pick them up at your local Farmers Union Insurance office or your local cooperative. For more information, contact Jessica Hotchkiss at 605-352-6761, Ext. 132 or Farmers Union State Education Director, Bonnie Geyer, at 605-352-6761 ext. 125 or email her at bgeyer@sdfu.org.