Farmers, farm organizations, agribusinesses and volunteers have joined together to organize and host the sixth annual Farm Camp Minnesota for youth.

Camps are open to youth entering grades 3-6. One-day camps will be held four days at three different locations:

• Aug. 7 and 8: Farmamerica, Waseca
• Aug. 15: Schmitt family farm, Rice
• Aug. 16: Wolf Creek Dairy, Dundas

Camps will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Preregistration is required.

Kathy Guse, Farm Camp Minnesota coordinator, says the camps provide opportunities for youth to learn about modern agriculture, where their food comes from, how their food is grown and how farm products are used in people's daily lives.

“Campers will have the opportunity to learn about various types of livestock and crop farms, including pork, beef, dairy, turkey, corn and soybeans,” Guse says. “Campers also will learn about the equipment used in farming. At the Dundas and Waseca sites, they will get a ride in a tractor.”

Guse says feedback over the years has been very positive, and FCM has added camp days to accommodate growing numbers of youth who attend.

“We’ve heard comments by campers that range from ‘We are telling everybody we know about your camp!’ to ‘We had a great time!’” Guse says. Parents, too, have been supportive.

“Parents have told us that volunteers, presenters and farmers are all top-notch, and that the camp was well-organized, very educational and fun, with lots of hands-on activities,” she adds.

Camp registration is online. Early-bird registration — by June 10 — is $15 per camper. After June 10, the registration fee is $25. Registration includes lunch, snacks, a free T-shirt and a camper take-home bag.

Guse says space is limited. Registration will close July 21 or when full.

For more information or to register, visit the camp website at farmcampminnesota.org or contact organizers at [email protected].

For group rates and to register groups, please contact organizers via email at the email address above; postal mail at P.O. Box 93, Janesville, MN 56048; or call 507-351-9348.

Source: Farm Camp Minnesota