2015-2016 Farmers Union Junior Advisory Council Members Selected to Serve

Posted on: August 6, 2015 | Category: News Releases

August 6, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union

During the 2015 Farmers Union State Leadership Camp, a six member Junior Advisory Council was selected by the youth and Education Council to serve as leaders, role models and representatives in planning and conducting the 2016 State Leadership Camp.

The 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council (JAC), who were announced during State Camp, include: Windsor Barry, Carter; Jesse Carlson, Seneca; Kylee DeBoer, Tripp; Tess Heidenreich, Faulkton; Kaden Kummer, Parkston; and Jeana Nuss, Tripp.

In addition to coordinating, implementing and directing State Camp, these individuals participate in a number of leadership development opportunities throughout the year. They are involved in activities such as serving as a page at the Farmers Union State Convention, helping with Farmers Union events across South Dakota and assisting the State Education Director with promotion of education programs.

“Their insight and Farmers Union experience is valuable to the continued evolution and development of Farmers Union Youth Programming,” says Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director.

Windsor Barry

Background: Windsor, son of Wade and Cleo Barry, comes from a long line of family members involved in Farmers Union Youth Programs. A senior at Winner High School, Windsor¹s brother, Wade, was a JAC; his sisters Taylor and Tawny received the Torchbearer Award; his grandma, Viola, served as District5 Education Director.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs? Leadership and cooperation are the two main things I¹ve learned through Farmers Union.

These two traits create a strong foundation for my life and the lives of every participant. I also appreciate learning about how deep Farmers Union’s roots run in South Dakota’s rural farming and ranching communities.

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? I am eager to meet all the young kids who will eventually be the face of Farmers Union. I have always looked up to the JACs and understand what it means to be looked upon to lead. Through Farmers Union I have learned that no matter how different our walks of life can be, in this organization we are accepted and taught to work together to achieve a common purpose. I want to share this message with these young campers.

Jesse Carlson

Background: Jesse Carlson lives with his parents, Amy and Scott Carlson, in Seneca. I was introduced to Farmers Union by my older brothers, Peary and Jamie, who always attended camp and pushed me into going that very first year when I was six years old at county camp.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs? The people who I have met have changed my life for the better. I have attended camp with some of these people since we were all eight years old. The life skills I’ve learned have been important ones like leadership and cooperation.

These programs have taught me one of the best traits a person needs to succeed in life – the ability to express myself and speak in front of a crowd without being nervous.

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? I was introduced to Farmers Union Camp by my older brothers, Peary and Jamie. As a young kid, I really looked up to the JACs. I want to make their experiences fun and rewarding so that they want to keep coming back year after year, like I did. Also, I look forward to bringing some great ideas to 2016 camp planning.

Kylee De Boer

Background: The daughter of Daniel De Boer and Tina Konrad, Kylee, a Senior at Tripp-Delmont High School, was introduced to Farmers Union by her best friend her Sophomore year of high school and she says it changed her life.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs? The main thing that hooked me on Farmers Union youth programs is the fact that with this group I can be my true self. It has always been hard for me to show who I truly am, and when I met these amazing people, I wasn’t afraid anymore. I have also learned great leadership skills through the cooperative component of the camp. Running a co-op has taught me a lot about how to work with large groups of people and ways to get work done in an efficient, yet also fun, way.

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? Helping to make a difference in people’s lives has always been a goal of mine. As a JAC, I feel I can help plan a camp where other kids will find their true selves like I did. Farmers Union State Leadership Camp also helps people develop skills everyone can use in their daily life.

Tess Heidenreich

Background: A friend invited Tess to her first Farmers Union camp when she was in the sixth grade and the daughter of Dave and Nancy Heidenreich has been attending ever since.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs? I like knowing that I am a part of an organization that makes a positive difference in the world and most of my best friends from across South Dakota are involved in Farmers Union.

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? Ever since I first attended Farmers Union State Leadership Camp, I have been thinking of ideas and small ways the camp could change for the better. I am excited to see what the future holds and eager to get started planning 2016 camp with this great team!

Kaden Kummer

Background: Kaden’s parents, Kevin and Mary, are lifetime Farmers Union members, so he¹s been attending Farmers Union camps since he was 8.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs? As I got older I stayed involved because of the amazing memories that I have made, as well as the lifelong friendships I’ve developed at Farmers Union camp. I would say that Farmers Union State Leadership Camp is the best part of my summer every summer!

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? I’ve always wanted to contribute ideas to planning camp. I also want to serve as a role model to the younger campers.

Jeana Nuss

Background: Jeana is the daughter of Jarrod and Ronda Nuss. She first became involved in Farmers Union youth programming by attending District Camp in Viborg.

Why do you enjoy participating in Farmers Union Youth Programs?

I am hooked on Farmers Union because the atmosphere is amazing! Everyone is so nice and it¹s awesome meeting new people from other towns.

As a member of the 2015-2016 Junior Advisory Council, how do you hope to serve? As a camper I know the important role JACs play in each camper’s experience. We are the first people they see when they arrive at camp. As a camper myself, I know how the JACs always made me feel welcome and helped make the camp experience unforgettable.

I”m looking forward to helping young Farmers Union members learn the fun songs and get to know new friends. I am an energetic and fun person, so I’m eager to share my energy and creativity to help plan 2016 camp.

Last Modified: 08/06/2015 7:20:51 am MDT