Young Leaders Shared Traditions & Received Policy & Leadership Training During 2024 All States Camp

by Lura Roti

Flag raising begins each day at South Dakota Farmers Union Camp. Flag raising followed by singing, followed by breakfast - this is a camp tradition, and it has been for 90 years.

"Camp traditions matter because they create a sense of belonging and legacy," explained Chaz Blotsky, a sophomore at Mitchell Technical Institute and a former Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council Member. "When my older cousins returned home from camp they would talk about the traditions. When I was old enough to attend camp, I would tell my younger brothers about them. Traditions are something you can count on."

Sharing traditions from South Dakota and learning about camp traditions from other states helped break the ice as Blotsky and Aeriel Eitreim got to know other Farmers Union youth leaders from across the U.S. during the 2024 All States Camp held at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine, Minnesota.

"I enjoyed getting to know individuals outside my state who have similar values to me," Eitreim said. "It is nice to grow the list of people outside of South Dakota that I can put my trust in and have a shared interest in Farmers Union."

Blotsky agreed. "It was nice to be able to connect with individuals my age from other states who are connected to agriculture and Farmers Union," explained the Hidden Timber rancher. "Every time I attend a Farmers Union event, I meet members who are ready to talk about the issues that matter to agriculture."

Together, the college-age campers learned more about today's cooperatives, Farmers Union history and dug into current agriculture policy with National Farmers Union staff.

"I enjoyed learning about agriculture policy that is being discussed on the Hill," said Eitreim, a history major at South Dakota State University.

She added that after serving as a member of the South Dakota Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council, where together with a team she was responsible for planning and facilitating leadership camps, she enjoyed getting to return to the role of camper during All States Camp.

In addition to policy, campers had an opportunity to polish their parliamentary procedure skills so they can be ready to engage in their state's policy discussions.

"Parliamentary procedure is something you can always get better at," Blotsky explained. "It allows me to share my opinion in the proper way. Because Farmers Union Camp has taught me about parliamentary procedure over the years, I understand how things work when I watch legislative debates at our state capitol."

Chaz Blotsky & Aeriel Eitreim Elected to Serve on National Youth Advisory Council

Preparing the next generation of agriculture leaders to step up is a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Leadership camps, explained SDFU President Doug Sombke. "Providing rural youth with opportunities to develop their leadership skills is so important because today's campers will be tomorrow's policy committee and board members."

Since they were 8-years-old, Blotsky and Eitreim have been involved in South Dakota Farmers Union Camps, leadership and educational programming. In 2023, they received their Torchbearer Award, the highest award issued to Farmers Union youth leaders. They served together on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils. And during the 2024 All State's Camp, both were elected by their peers to serve on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC).

"I am very excited to see Chaz and Aeriel take this next step of leadership within the Farmers Union organization," said Samantha Olson, SDFU Education Program Specialist. "As they transition out of our youth program into our adult organization they bring a new light to young adults finding their path in Farmers Union. These two continue to grow their leadership skills by taking on roles like this one and will continue to provide new opportunities out their generation."

In this role they will provide valuable insight into national youth programming and attend the National Farmers Union Fly-In and Convention.

"I am excited to bring leadership and knowledge to the team and learn more about how Farmers Union brings state issues to D.C. policymakers during the 2024 D.C. Fly- In," Blotsky said.

Eitreim added that the leadership and communications experience they gained serving on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils will assist them in this new role.

"Farmers Union has taught me a lot about working with others to accomplish shared goals," Eitreim said. "As Junior Advisory Coun­cil members, we took personality tests and learned how each personality works and how to work with other personalities."

Ahead of the election, Eitreim and Blotsky had to give a speech about the reasons they wanted to serve. Helping others was among the points Eitreim brought up in her speech.

"You are not the only one - you are a team. And you cannot let everyone else do all the work. As a leader, you need to step up and lend a helping hand whenever you can," Ei­treim said.

As a rancher pursuing a career in agricul­ture, Blotsky focused on the fact that Farmers Union is an organization that serves all agricul­ture producers, regardless of size or commod­ity. "I am excited to serve in a leadership role for an organization that represents me and all family farmers and ranchers because that means I can help all aspects of agriculture."

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programming and sign up for no­tifications about camp season 2025, visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Education link.

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