Leadership Camp FAQs
What does a typical day at camp include?
A typical day at camp is filled to the max with fun activities to keep every campers attention. On an average day, there are two lessons, swimming, a dance, a campfire, a theme night and much more. Below is a general example of an average day at camp (schedules vary depending on camper’s age).
7:30 AM Wake up
8:15 AM Flag Raising
8:30 AM Breakfast/ KP/Rec. Time
10:00 AM Lesson
11:00 AM Free Time
12:00 PM Lunch/ KP/ Hike/Craft
1:15 PM Swimming
3:00 PM Co-op Store (Snack Store)
4:15 PM Lesson
5:45 PM Flag Lowering
6:00 PM Supper/ KP/ Volleyball/Kickball
8:00 PM Change for the theme night
8:15 PM Theme night
9:30 PM Snack
9:45 PM Change for Campfire
10:00 PM Campfire
10:45 PM Back to cabins
11:30 PM Lights Out
What is the age breakdown of each camp?
They are:
Elementary Camp: Ages 8-11
Junior Camp: Ages 11-14
Senior High Camp: Ages 14-18
Day Camps: Ages 5-12
When should I drop off/pick up my camper?
Drop-off is the first day between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and pick-up is between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the last day of camp. We cannot take campers any earlier than 3 p.m. on the first day.
How do I register for camp?
You can register online by clicking here.
Does MFU offer transportation to camp?
MFU does not offer transportation to camp. Instead, during the registration process, parents of campers will be asked if they would like certain information (name, city, email, phone number) released to other parents interested in coordinating carpools. If you select yes your information will be emailed to the other parents who also selected yes. It will then be the responsibility of the parents/guardians to organize transportation/carpool options to and from camp.
My child is at an age which is between camps (11 or 14). Which camp should I register them for?
We allow campers at ages 11 or 14 the opportunity to attend whichever camp they, and their parents, feel is right for them. So, for example, a camper who is 11 during the summer could choose from either the elementary or junior camps.
What is the difference between the northern camps and southern camps?
The main difference is location. The northern camp is located about 5 hours north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The southern camp is located about 2 hours west of Minneapolis and St. Paul. See the map section below for more details on location. Camp programming is the same regardless of the location. Campers can attend either (or both) camps at either location.
How do I receive a referral discount?
If your camper is bringing a brand new participant to camp (has never attended an MFU camp before) you will be eligible for a discount on next year’s camp. The information on the discount (if it applies to you) will be sent out in early spring.
How are counselors selected?
MFU receives applicants for the counselor positions and reviews them. After this, interviews are organized with the individuals MFU feels are a good fit for the job. After the interview and a review of their references, the top choices are submitted to a full background check which includes: county criminal felony and misdemeanor, federal criminal, national criminal search, national sex offender registry, and prohibited parties. If the background check comes back clear the candidate is offered the position. The hired counselors receive training on many topics, such as conflict resolution, homesickness and child welfare and protection. There are 8 counselors in all (4 female and 4 male) who are at all the camps. The education director Winona Anderson is also at all the camps in a supervisory role, and if she cannot attend, another MFU staff member steps in to fill that role.
Can I send my camper mail?
Yes! The camp addresses are below. Please note that it takes 3-4 days for mail to reach the camps, please do not mail anything to the camp past the second day.
Northern Camp:
MFU Lake Sarah Campground
C/O [Campers Name]
38524 200th Ave. SE
Erskine, MN 56535
Southern Camp:
Sibley State Park
C/O Minnesota Farmers Union & [Campers Name]
800 Sibley Road NE
New London, MN 56273