Fax: 402-476-8859, Cell: 402-580-8815

john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2008

“Project Citizenship” is Nebraska Farmers Union 2008 Youth Camp Theme

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska Farmers Union announced that the theme for this year’s summer youth camp is “Project Citizenship.” The NEFU sponsored summer youth camp is for children ages 8-16, and will once again be held in Halsey, Nebraska at the State 4-H Camp, August 3-6^th.

NEFU state president, John Hansen, who also serves as the Head Counselor for camp, said the “Project Citizenship” theme is one that many other state Farmers Union organizations around the country will be using for their youth camps this year. “The education directors from the Farmers Union states have worked together to develop a common curriculum and theme this year. Learning how to be better citizens is always an important and timely theme. Many of the same skills needed to be good citizens is also necessary to run a good cooperative,” Hansen said.

The Nebraska Farmers Union sponsored youth camp is an organizational tradition dating back to 1913, when NEFU was first organized. The camp is open to the public, and membership in NEFU is not required. Children from all over Nebraska attend camp, including Omaha, Lincoln, small towns, and farms. The cost of camp is $115 with an added $15 charge if transportation is provided. Campers learn about the importance of agriculture, the basics of cooperation, teamwork, civic responsibilities, soil and water conservation, and will participate in many varied recreational activities.

The youth camp receives baseline financial support from CHS Foundation for operation of the camp. The Nebraska Humanities Council provides support for “Music From Around The World” with Dave Marsh. The Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation provides scholarships to campers who need financial assistance, and also fund a bus that runs from Beatrice to Lincoln, Grand Island, and Halsey.

For more information about camp, contact the Nebraska Farmers Union state office at (402) 476-8815, or go to their web site at: http://www.nebraskafarmersunion.org/, look under calendar, and click on youth camp for enrollment forms.

Nebraska Farmers Union is the state’s second largest and oldest general farm organization representing 5,000 farm and ranch families and the rural communities they live in. The mission of Nebraska Farmers Union is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, and the rural communities they live in.

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