At first, I was skeptical, but I decided to take a chance and wrote to my power district seeking sponsorship.
Fortunately, they agreed to sponsor me and two other peers.
During the camp, we learned about topics like public power, energy systems, and government workings.
Engaging speakers spiked our curiosity, leading to insightful discussions and plenty of questions. A highlight of the camp was our visit to the Gerald Gentleman Station and the Kingsley Hydro Electric plant, where we saw the generation and operation of electricity systems. Alongside these educational experiences, we also enjoyed various recreational activities like games, sports, a dance, and even a canoe trip down the Loup River.
One exciting aspect of the camp was the competition to become a delegate for the Youth Tour in Washington the following summer. I pursued this opportunity with and secured a spot as one of the three delegates chosen.
For those not selected, there was still a chance to appeal to their co-op for sponsorship.
The following summer brought another opportunity for the 17 of us attending the Youth Tour – the chance to apply for the role of YLC (Youth Leadership Council) ambassador.
This position carried the responsibility of advocating for public power and included a $1,000 scholarship along with attendance at the National NRECA meeting in Texas. Eager to take on this role, I submitted my application and resume, knowing that our leader from the Youth Tour would assess not just our paperwork but also our conduct and character during the trip.
The Youth Tour itself was an incredible experience, filled with visits to notable landmarks like the Holocaust Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and more. We engaged with politicians, ate delicious meals, and my favorite highlight was the exclusive tour of the Capitol building by Mike Flood. Towards the end of the week, I received the honor of being selected as our ambassador, attending a meeting to understand my new responsibilities.
Following the Youth Tour, that same summer, I assumed the role of a counselor at the youth energy leadership camp, which had relocated due to the unfortunate incident of the previous location burning down. This transition provided yet another enjoyable experience.
In the subsequent year, in March, I traveled to Texas for YLC. It was a fantastic experience where I had the opportunity to meet peers from all corners of the country. We explored San Antonio, visited historic sites like the Alamo, and participated in sessions at the annual PowerExchange event. This experience was particularly enriching as it allowed me to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering me new perspectives and insights.
I strongly encourage any freshman, sophomore, or junior to reach out to their local electrical cooperative and sign up for the camp! It’s an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and learning.
