Learning Awaits Klein and Lindsey at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp

Since the late 1970s, students have been selected to attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC). While students have been unable to attend camp for the past two years, they are eager to return to the fun. This year, nearly 80 students will attend CYLC from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming.

Greta Klein, Ellsworth High School, and Cameron Lindsey, Plainville High School, will represent Western Cooperative Electric at CYLC near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, July 15-22, 2022. In addition, both students will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

During CYLC, students will get the opportunity to view a high voltage display, learn about electric safety, attend leadership seminars, tour a solar farm, and view a Hawk Quest presentation. In addition to the core of CYLC, students will visit downtown Steamboat Springs, go white water rafting, and participate in fun camp activities, including a volleyball tournament, talent show, and dance.

This is the 45th year that Kansas has participated in the camp, sending its first campers to what was then called the Energy Seminar in 1977. Western Cooperative sponsors the trip of two each year. In late February, Klein and Lindsey were chosen through the youth program application and interview process.

“We are excited to return to the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp this year,” said Member Services Manager Nolan Numrich. “Engaging with our student leaders ties back to our cooperative principles: Concern for Community and Education, Training, and Information.”

Cramer and Metzler Selected for the 2022 KEY Leadership Conference

Seventeen students from Kansas electric cooperatives will attend this year’s Kansas Electric Youth (KEY) Leadership Conference in Topeka from June 5-8. This in-person conference was developed as a leadership education opportunity for the children of electric co-op members.

During the KEY conference, students will participate in a variety of activities, including touring FreeState Electric Co-op and the Kansas State Capitol, engaging with government leaders, watching safety demonstrations, going on bucket truck rides, and developing their leadership skills through interactive presentations and workshops.

Ashlynn Cramer, Trego Community High School, and Dakota Metzler, Ellis High School, will represent Western Cooperative Electric at the conference. Each participant was chosen through Western Cooperative Electric’s application process. Winners are chosen based on their overall abilities as leaders, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and character. In addition to attending the KEY conference, both students will receive $1,000 scholarships.

“We are delighted to offer the KEY Leadership Conference as an in-person event this year, and we look forward to bringing together these student leaders,” said Member Services Manager Nolan Numrich. “We continue to strive to find ways to engage with our local youth.”