Rural Youth Elected to Serve During Farmers Union Leadership Camp

During South Dakota Farmers Union Leadership Camp, Allison Schulz, Lennox; Avril Fletcher, Highmore; Chase Blotsky, Hidden Timber; Coltyn Raymond, Ethan; were elected by campers to serve on the Junior Advisory Council (JAC) and campers ; Dani Kruger, De Smet; and Ethan Mutter, Sturgis, were selected through an interview to also serve as JACs.

As JACs, these teens will help facilitate the upcoming Farmers Union State Youth Camp and they will also plan, organize and facilitate the 2026 Farmers Union State Leadership Camp.

Read the Q & A below and learn a bit about these young leaders and their thoughts on Farmers Union State Leadership Camp.

Allison Schulz, Lennox

Q: What have you gained personally by attending Farmers Union State Leadership Camp?

A: The camp experience has helped me become more confident in my everyday life. It has helped me grow and get to know myself much better.

I love coming here. Farmers Union Camp is like my family.

Avril Fletcher, Highmore

Q: What is something you learned from Farmers Union State Leadership Camp?

A: Through this camp I have learned about cooperatives and how together, with your community and people around you, you can actually be able to build something bigger and better. I’ve learned actually what a cooperative really is and a lot more about how they worked this year.

Chase Blotsky, Hidden Timber

Q: What have you gained by attending Farmers Union State Leadership Camp?

A: Farmers Union Camp has helped me expand my communication skills and break out of my shell. My favorite thing about Farmers Union camps is to get to know new people and make new friends.

Ethan Mutter, Sturgis

Q: Why did you want to serve on the Junior Advisory Council?

A: I wanted to serve on the Junior Advisory Council because I wanted to help provide new kids coming into camp their first year the same experience I have had. I want to help them feel welcome and make new friends.

Danielle Kruger, De Smet

Q: What have you learned by attending Farmers Union State Leadership Camp?

A: Camp has taught me a lot. And I have made many friends and lifelong memories here. The friends I have made from camp, connect me to other communities in our state. Before coming to camp, I did not know many people outside my town, and I think it is important to expand your connections throughout the state.

Coltyn Raymond, Ethan

Q: Why is leadership an important quality for teens to have?

A: I think it is important to learn to be a good leader because in high school there are many opportunities for teens to grow and cultivate the leadership skills we gain. One of the biggest things that I learned about leadership during Farmers Union Camp is about communication and how to be an effective communicator so that I can be the most effective leader I can be.