The South Dakota Farmers Union is making leadership a hands-on part of its 2022 slate of educational youth camps.
“Leadership isn’t something you just do, it’s learned and practiced through your daily interactions,” said Academic Director Rachel Haigh-Blume.
“Leadership development is such an important part of encouraging our youth and young adults to learn the skills that will lead them into their future.”
“Each summer we focus on improving campers’ skills with different activities. When combined after years of participation, the lessons help transform them into future leaders of our rural communities,” added Haigh-Blume.
This year’s theme is “Cooperative Community,” emphasizing that the best leaders understand cooperation. The camps explore the cooperative model, its principles and the impact of cooperatives on our daily lives.
All summer camps will include interactive games that will make the lessons memorable and impactful. Day camps in South Dakota counties will focus on pollination and food sources, as well as fun games and activities.
The South Dakota Farmers Union also partners with the South Dakota Soybean Association to discuss soybeans and the hidden uses of soybeans in products such as crayons, sunscreen, and their broad applications.
State Leadership Camp will feature a variety of interactive activities on the fundamental skills of leadership, teamwork, communication and cooperation.
Special guest speaker Dan Meers of the Kansas City Chiefs will talk about overcoming obstacles while keeping your goals in place. Other planned activities include camper skits, ropes course challenges, TikTok videos, co-op challenge tournaments and a trip to the Crazy Horse laser show.
Each camp activity is designed not only to be fun, but also to bond and discuss co-ops and leadership.
To register and for a complete list of upcoming South Dakota Farmers Union camps, visit sdfu.org and click on the Youth Programs link under the Education tab.
