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N.D. (NDFU) – Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed May 7-13, 2017, as Farmers Union Youth Week, citing North Dakota Farmers Union’s dedication to enhancing leadership abilities in young people and cooperative education.

“The youth of our state are North Dakota’s most valuable resource,” wrote Burgum in the signed proclamation. “Educating young people about the cooperative business model in present-day commerce is vital to North Dakota’s overall economy from a local, national, and international perspective, as well as our state’s agricultural industry.”

NDFU conducts county-sponsored classes and summer camps for rural and urban kids. More than 1,000 youths attend Farmers Union camps annually, which get underway in June for kids in grades 3-12.

At Farmers Union Camp, youth organize and operate their own cooperative – a camp store – as part of the organization’s educational focus on cooperatives. Other activities include water games, theme nights, sports, a campfire, talent show, dancing, games, skits, a camp project, and banquet.

Specially trained counselors facilitate activities and supervise campers at 14 different four- and five-day camps held throughout the summer at sites near Valley City and Elgin. Youth who register for camp by May 15 receive an early bird discount. Transportation is provided and scholarships are often available. For more information, go to www.ndfu.org.