| Resource Type | Website |
| Author / Source | Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) |
| Publication Date | Ongoing |
| Location | Colorado, with delegates from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming (framework applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Program, Partnership |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff, Schools |
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
This page describes a long-running, weeklong summer camp where high school students selected by their local co-ops form and run a mock cooperative. Students elect a board, serve on committees, tour a power plant, and learn about careers in the electric co-op industry.
The camp is a proven model for building early relationships with future employees, members, and board members. A co-op can use it to sponsor students into an existing statewide camp, or as a blueprint for launching a similar program with peer co-ops in its own region.
Key Takeaways
| › | Students learn cooperative governance by doing it: forming a co-op, electing a board, and serving on committees during the week. |
| › | Power plant tours, high-voltage safety demonstrations, and career sessions connect students directly to jobs in the co-op industry. |
| › | A multi-state model lets each co-op sponsor a few students rather than running a full camp on its own. |
| › | Each co-op manages its own application and selection, which creates a natural touchpoint with local schools and families. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: The page does not list costs. Co-ops sponsoring delegates should budget for camp fees and travel, and those starting a new camp will need lodging, activities, transportation, and staff time.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Each co-op runs its own outreach, application, and selection process, which takes staff time and school relationships. Smaller co-ops may get more value from joining an existing statewide or regional camp than building one.
- Time-Sensitive Information: Camp dates and the downloadable brochure are tied to a specific year and will need updating.
Notable Examples
- Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA): Statewide association that hosts the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
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