Lifelong Youth Camper Gives Back

Over the years I’ve played larger and larger roles in the development of the camp. With every year my experience has been getting closer to the ideal camp as I help contribute to change in camp.

With camp, I’ve been able to explore many facets of agriculture. I’ve come to appreciate the role each and every individual has on the food chain. My favorite part of camp is the lifelong bonds that you form.

My favorite part is watching each of my staff members grow individually. Seeing the improvement in leadership from the first camp to the last camp is one of the most rewarding feelings, and I want to give back to a program that has given me so much in leadership skills, friendship, and teamwork.

Camp although fun comes with the challenges of adapting to a new generation that learns differently and is faced with entirely different agriculture challenges.

MT Farmers Union has by far been the most influential organization in my life. I have improved myself the most through Farmers Union, and my strongest bonds have been from attending and working at camp. The teamwork we have as a staff is absolutely incredible, we are in an environment where we can facilitate great ideas.   

James Van Spyk served as the Camp Assistant this year and is also an Air Force ROTC cadet at the 450th cadet wing and a student at MSU Bozeman.

James has been going to Montana Farmers Union Camps for 9 years, and this is his first year as Camp Assistant.

Learn more about the Montana Farmers Union Camps at Arrowpeak, or contact the Camp Coordinator.