This topic was featured in the September 2024 Kansas Country Living Centerspread.
BREANNA REEVES of Scandia and QUINN COLES of Clyde represented Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., during the 47th Annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) July 12-18, 2024. Located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this event brings together 79 student leaders from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming, sponsored by 44 participating electric and agricultural cooperatives.
“At Prairie Land, we are invested in empowering young leaders,” said Krik Girard, Prairie Land CEO. “That’s why we’re excited to continue supporting the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. It’s our way of giving students the chance to step up and make a real impact in our community.”
Throughout the camp, students learned about the cooperative organizational structure and operation by forming a candy cooperative. Campers collaborated with their peers, elected a of a board of student directors, appointed a general manager, formed committees and engaged in daily membership meetings. In addition to these experiences, participants attended seminars covering leadership, conflict management and cooperative career pathways. The agenda also featured sessions on electric safety and avian protection by HawkQuest, and a tour of the Craig Power Station.
CYLC also embraced the spirit of camaraderie and adventure to enhance teamwork among the students. They ventured to Mount Werner and downtown Steamboat Springs. Recreational activities included swimming, a volleyball tournament, a talent show and a dance. They even went white water rafting on the Colorado River.
For Reeves and Coles, the experience made them feel more at ease with meeting people.
“I was out of my comfort zone,” Reeves said. “The ambassadors inspired me to see the good in everyone. I became friends with people I probably wouldn’t cross paths with at school.”
“I was inspired by the energy at camp,” added Coles. “Everyone was so welcoming.”
Prairie Land sponsors the trip for two students each year. For more information on how to attend or send students to camp, contact Director of Member Services Elena Larson.