CHIPPEWA FALLS — Registration is open for Farmers Union Camp! Kamp Kenwood is the heart of summer fun in the Chippewa Valley, serving as the home for the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) camp program since the 1940s. Each summer, hundreds of youth from across the Midwest attend the camp, which is nestled beneath the pines on the shore of Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls.
Though the rustic lodge and cabins were built and dedicated by farmers, the camp welcomes rural and urban youth for a few days of traditional camp activities like hiking, swimming, campfires, skits, and arts and crafts. Throughout each session, campers also learn about Wisconsin agriculture, cooperative values, and leadership.
This will mark Grace Clardy’s first summer at the helm of the camp program. Clardy took the reins from long-time education director Cathy Statz last fall. Clardy spent time in Haiti working on clean water workshops and in Botswana focusing on STEM education. She has a special interest in agriculture, beekeeping, and global issues. She nurtured those passions while working towards her Masters in Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communications at the University of Tennessee.
“I have a lot of respect for the history and caliber of the camp program but am also very excited to put a fresh spin on it,” says Clardy. “We’re not just teaching youth about cooperatives and agriculture, we’re immersing them in adventures around agriculture and letting them become the leaders of their own camp co-op. Our campers will hear directly from guest farmers, cooperative friends, and Farmers Union staff about rural issues and ways they can engage with agriculture even after their short stay at camp comes to an end.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Grace to the WFU team and to have her carrying on our treasured camp program,” said WFU Executive Director Julie Keown-Bomar. “She’s demonstrated a passion for youth development, appreciation for the natural world, and exceptional people skills. Her background in agricultural leadership, camp programs, and nonprofits will serve the organization and its young people well.”
Camp sessions, held June through August, are open to ages 8-18 and are organized by elementary, junior high and senior high age groups. Families are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot!
There will also be Acorn Day Camps for ages 7 and up on August 10th and 11th. Family Camp, offering a chance for families to enjoy the camp experience together and with children of all ages, will be August 4-5th.
The camps are affordably priced, thanks to support from the CHS Foundation and WFU Foundation. The program is American Camp Association (ACA) accredited and designed to be welcoming to all regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
To register or to view camp dates, please visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com. WFU is also hiring summer staff. Learn more at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/youth-camps or by contacting Grace Clardy at camp@wisconsinfarmersunion.com or 715-214-7887.
