North Dakota Farmers Union is excited to announce that registration is now open for our 2026 summer youth camps! For over 90 years, our camps have provided an unforgettable experience for North Dakota youth each year, focusing on leadership development, teamwork, citizenship, and learning about cooperatives and rural issues—all in a fun, supportive environment.
Our camps are open to students who have completed grades 3–12 (no need to be from a farming/ranching family—everyone is welcome!):
Camps include free transportation options, trained counselors, games, activities, and opportunities to make new friends while building lifelong skills. Multiple session dates are available throughout June—full details and registration are available online at: https://membership.ndfu.org/ (or visit ndfu.org/youth/youth-camps/ for more information, camp dates, FAQs, and scholarship options).
To help spread the word, I've attached print-ready materials (flyers/posters/brochures) that you can print and share with students in grades 3 and up, as well as with teachers, counselors, or parents. These highlight the camp experience, dates, pricing, and registration link—feel free to distribute them via newsletters, bulletin boards, or student announcements.
If you or your staff have any questions, or if you'd like additional materials, please don't hesitate to contact our Youth Team at youth@ndfu.org or call us toll-free at 800-366-6338.
Thank you for helping us reach the next generation of leaders! We truly appreciate your partnership in supporting opportunities like these for North Dakota students.
Sincerely,
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Youth Education Team
Our camps are open to students who have completed grades 3–12 (no need to be from a farming/ranching family—everyone is welcome!):
Camps include free transportation options, trained counselors, games, activities, and opportunities to make new friends while building lifelong skills. Multiple session dates are available throughout June—full details and registration are available online at: https://membership.ndfu.org/ (or visit ndfu.org/youth/youth-camps/ for more information, camp dates, FAQs, and scholarship options).
To help spread the word, I've attached print-ready materials (flyers/posters/brochures) that you can print and share with students in grades 3 and up, as well as with teachers, counselors, or parents. These highlight the camp experience, dates, pricing, and registration link—feel free to distribute them via newsletters, bulletin boards, or student announcements.
If you or your staff have any questions, or if you'd like additional materials, please don't hesitate to contact our Youth Team at youth@ndfu.org or call us toll-free at 800-366-6338.
Thank you for helping us reach the next generation of leaders! We truly appreciate your partnership in supporting opportunities like these for North Dakota students.
Sincerely,
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Youth Education Team
The preschoolers and Mrs. Pennington did a fun science experiment with candy hearts! First, they made predictions about what would happen when we put the candy hearts into three different liquids: water, soda, and vinegar. The students shared their ideas about whether the hearts would sink or float in each one.
After making our predictions, they tested their ideas by placing the candy hearts into each liquid and carefully observing what happened. They watched to see if they sank or floated and noticed how the different liquids affected the candy. The students were excited to compare their predictions with the actual results!
After making our predictions, they tested their ideas by placing the candy hearts into each liquid and carefully observing what happened. They watched to see if they sank or floated and noticed how the different liquids affected the candy. The students were excited to compare their predictions with the actual results!
7th graders put potatoes to the test! 🥔💧
We explored osmosis by placing potato strips in plain water, salt water, and sugar water to see how water moves in and out of plant cells.
Science is better when you can see it (and bend it)!
We explored osmosis by placing potato strips in plain water, salt water, and sugar water to see how water moves in and out of plant cells.
Science is better when you can see it (and bend it)!
Solids. Liquids. Gases.
Our 9th grade Physical Science students created visual models and demonstrations to show how particles behave in each state of matter. From tightly packed solids to fast-moving gases, they explored particle motion, phase changes, and real-world applications.
Science is more than memorizing, it’s modeling how the world actually works.
Our 9th grade Physical Science students created visual models and demonstrations to show how particles behave in each state of matter. From tightly packed solids to fast-moving gases, they explored particle motion, phase changes, and real-world applications.
Science is more than memorizing, it’s modeling how the world actually works.
Thank you to the group of 4th - 6th grade student who sang the National Anthem at Bantam Boys Basketball game vs New Salem last night, 2/10/2026! They represented our school with confidence and did a fantastic job in front of a packed crowd. Way to go, singers - we're so proud of you!
Our 8th grade Earth Science explorers just took an incredible live virtual journey to Antarctica! 🧊✨ Thanks to Miles O’Brien and the team of scientists on the ice, students dove into real-world climate research at Thwaites Glacier — one of the most important and rapidly changing places on Earth. 🌡️🔬 They learned how researchers use cutting-edge tools and teamwork to study glaciers, oceans, and the science behind our changing climate. 🛰️📊
These young scientists are asking big questions and getting inspired by real STEM!
These young scientists are asking big questions and getting inspired by real STEM!
Last week, we had our annual food drive. Thanks to all who participated! 5th grade and 11th grade have earned a pizza party for earning the most points!
If your student is 11 or 12 years old and interested in signing up for Hunter's Safety, please see the attached flier. Fliers were also sent home with students today. Register soon. The classes fill up quickly!
Community Parenting Support Update 🏡
The West Dakota Parent & Family Resource Center continues to provide valuable support for local families. This month's resources offer comprehensive learning opportunities designed to help parents navigate various stages of child-rearing.
Our center remains committed to empowering parents with practical skills and knowledge through carefully curated workshops and informational sessions. Families can explore upcoming programs that address child development, communication strategies, and positive parenting techniques.
Interested parents are encouraged to contact the center directly for detailed information about class schedules, registration, and specific program offerings. 📚 Supporting our community's families remains our primary mission. 👥
The West Dakota Parent & Family Resource Center continues to provide valuable support for local families. This month's resources offer comprehensive learning opportunities designed to help parents navigate various stages of child-rearing.
Our center remains committed to empowering parents with practical skills and knowledge through carefully curated workshops and informational sessions. Families can explore upcoming programs that address child development, communication strategies, and positive parenting techniques.
Interested parents are encouraged to contact the center directly for detailed information about class schedules, registration, and specific program offerings. 📚 Supporting our community's families remains our primary mission. 👥
On November 19, 2025 our 8th grade students hosted their first science fair since 2016—and it was a huge success! Students asked real scientific questions, designed investigations, and shared their results with confidence.
🏆 Congratulations to our winners:
🥉 Tied for 3rd Place
• How does exposure to changing temperature affect the weight of an inflated balloon? – Wes K. & Gabe H.
• In what ways do various types of music affect your respiration? – Jaelynn D. & Dillon H.
🥈 2nd Place
• How is the strength of an electromagnet affected by the number of coils? – Aiden B. & William D.
🥇 1st Place
• Which fabrics absorb dye best? – Bella K.
So proud of these students for their curiosity, creativity, and hard work!
A huge thank you to our school staff and community supporters for their time, encouragement, and financial support—especially those who volunteered to judge. Your involvement made this event possible and helped make science come alive for our students!
🏆 Congratulations to our winners:
🥉 Tied for 3rd Place
• How does exposure to changing temperature affect the weight of an inflated balloon? – Wes K. & Gabe H.
• In what ways do various types of music affect your respiration? – Jaelynn D. & Dillon H.
🥈 2nd Place
• How is the strength of an electromagnet affected by the number of coils? – Aiden B. & William D.
🥇 1st Place
• Which fabrics absorb dye best? – Bella K.
So proud of these students for their curiosity, creativity, and hard work!
A huge thank you to our school staff and community supporters for their time, encouragement, and financial support—especially those who volunteered to judge. Your involvement made this event possible and helped make science come alive for our students!
To kick off the 2nd semester of school, students in grades 7–12 put their engineering skills to the test by designing devices to protect an egg from drops ranging from 6 feet to 20 feet! Each class crowned a winner, and those teams advanced to face off against the other class champions.
After multiple drops and plenty of suspense, the last egg(s) standing earned the Golden Egg Trophy 🥇🥚
Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and a little bit of physics—all in one unforgettable challenge!
After multiple drops and plenty of suspense, the last egg(s) standing earned the Golden Egg Trophy 🥇🥚
Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and a little bit of physics—all in one unforgettable challenge!
Check out our February Newsletter!
REMINDER: Just a week left to register for the Daddy- Daughter dance! 💃 🪩 🕺
We would like to congratulate Robyn Lakey on her acceptance into the North Dakota All-State Mixed Choir! This is a highly prestigious, auditioned choir, and only the top singers from across the state are selected. Robyn will represent our school at the All-State Music Festival on March 26th, 27th, and 28th in Bismarck. Way to go, Robyn—we are so proud of you! 🎶🙌
We want to give a shout out to our very own Kolbi McElwain! She has committed to Doane University in Nebraska for wrestling! Congratulations Kolbi! 🤼♀️🙌
Join us tonight for the girls basketball game again Bowman County starting at 5:30. FREE ADMISSION for ALL Students.
Get your dancing shoes on and come out and support our Booster Club for a fun evening for dads and daughters! 💃🪩🕺
Girl Scout Meeting Tonight, Thursday, January 8, at 6:00 PM MST at Belfield Elementary School in the FSC Room. Please use Door #1 to enter. See the attached poster for more information.
Student Attendance Recognition 🏆
Our students demonstrate exceptional commitment to their education through consistent attendance. This month, we acknowledge the dedication of students who maintained perfect attendance throughout December.
Kindergarten: (back row) Maverick H., Harvey K., Piper R., Owen W., Huntley W.
(front row) Benny B., KaraLynn O., Raelynn R.
1st grade: Caden O., Charlotte HL., Dylan F., Teddy B.
2nd grade: Isaiah B., Kinsley D., Braxtyn W.
3rd grade: Leo H., Ruby B., Braddex M.
4th grade: (back row) Dakota F., Harper B., Cassidy B., Maxine E.
(front row) Cree S., Kolin P., Dakota R.
5th grade: (back row) Mabel K., Alexa R., Evah F., Mattea H., JoAnna H., Bailey H.
(front row) Gavin K., Lincoln H.
6th grade: Leonel G., Chloe B., Jace O.
Their regular participation is crucial for academic progress and establishes important life skills of reliability and discipline. We commend these students for their outstanding commitment to learning. 🎓
Our students demonstrate exceptional commitment to their education through consistent attendance. This month, we acknowledge the dedication of students who maintained perfect attendance throughout December.
Kindergarten: (back row) Maverick H., Harvey K., Piper R., Owen W., Huntley W.
(front row) Benny B., KaraLynn O., Raelynn R.
1st grade: Caden O., Charlotte HL., Dylan F., Teddy B.
2nd grade: Isaiah B., Kinsley D., Braxtyn W.
3rd grade: Leo H., Ruby B., Braddex M.
4th grade: (back row) Dakota F., Harper B., Cassidy B., Maxine E.
(front row) Cree S., Kolin P., Dakota R.
5th grade: (back row) Mabel K., Alexa R., Evah F., Mattea H., JoAnna H., Bailey H.
(front row) Gavin K., Lincoln H.
6th grade: Leonel G., Chloe B., Jace O.
Their regular participation is crucial for academic progress and establishes important life skills of reliability and discipline. We commend these students for their outstanding commitment to learning. 🎓
Please check out the January Newsletter from West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center. There are lots of good tips and information for parents. Thank you!
