Each year since 1980, the Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA) has hosted the Youth Energy Leadership Camp (YELC). Sponsored by Public Power Districts across the state like PCRPPD, this five-day camp offers high school students a chance to develop leadership and teamwork skills, learn about public power, and make lifelong friends.
This year, I again had the privilege of serving as a camp counselor and witnessed firsthand how impactful this experience can be. The camp, held at Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska, provided an ideal environment with excellent facilities.
For 2024, PCRPPD sponsored Jessica Bauers of Stromsburg, Grant Eaton, and Victory Graver-Tart, both from Shelby and Sawyer Anderson of Osceola. The camp is structured to mimic an actual Power District, with campers assigned to teams, electing a Board of Directors, and participating in various educational and recreational activities.
Daily Camp Highlights:
Day One: The camp started with cabin assignments and then an overview of the camp’s operations. Campers were divided into teams and introduced to the various committees they would be part of throughout the week. The day ended with outdoor icebreaker activities, easing any initial nerves and helping campers start forming friendships.
Day Two: The day started with a motivational session from a camp psychologist, followed by hands-on activities, including a high-voltage demonstration, pole climbing, and bucket truck rides. Campers also learned about electricity and safety from industry experts. The day wrapped up with the introduction of those taking part in the Ambassador Program, where campers vied for a spot as one of the camp’s top representatives.
Day Three: The highlight of this day was a tour of NPPD’s Gerald Gentleman Station and the Kingsley Hydro-Electric Generating Station. These tours offered an inside look at how these facilities operate. The day concluded with a cookout and team-building activities at the camp’s adventure course.
Day Four: Campers engaged in sessions about careers in public power and electricity, followed by a STEM challenge. The day also featured a kickball tournament and some free time for those giving speeches later to prepare. In the evening, a banquet was held during which the finalists of the Ambassador Program gave their speeches, which was followed by a dance.
Day Five: The final day involved a General Assembly where campers wrote thank-you notes and letters to themselves, which they will receive next year. The winners of the Ambassador Program, which included our very own Jessica Bauers who will represent PCRPPD and the Nebraska Rural Electric Association next year in Washington D.C. After the “Good Egg” awards were announced before campers packed up and headed home, filled with new knowledge, skills, and friendships.
While this summary offers a glimpse into the YELC camp, it barely scratches the surface of how enriching this experience truly is. Any high school student entering their sophomore to senior year should consider attending next year’s camp. It’s a hidden gem that provides invaluable experiences and opportunities that your child won’t want to miss!
