Faces, Places & Voices Of PVREA: Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp

Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp is an annual trip for high school juniors and seniors from across Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming to develop leadership skills, participate in fun activities, and make lifelong friends.

Pictured above in the right photo (left to right): Henry Budge, Riley Nelson, Amelia Wagner, and Arabella Fitch.

What This Year’s Campers Had To Say

Arabella Fitch

What was the most valuable lesson you learned?

I learned that it is important to not care so much about what others think. That being a great leader means doing things you are uncomfortable with or scared to do. I will apply this in my many leadership positions at my school by caring more about the people I am leading than myself.

What had the greatest impact on you and why?

The memory that had the greatest impact on me from camp was either singing karaoke or jumping, dancing, and singing the last night of camp. I made such good friends, and it really showed me that even though we hardly knew each other, and were from completely different places and backgrounds, we were able to come together and have an amazing week together, then be sad when it came to an end.

Riley Nelson

Describe a moment when you challenged yourself or stepped outside your comfort zone.

I challenged myself by starting conversations with people I didn’t know, even though I was very nervous. I learned that most people felt the same way. Sometimes all it takes is breaking the awkward silence and initiating a conversation to build new friendships and connections.

What did you learn about electric co-ops?

What surprised me most was learning that electric cooperatives aren’t focused on making profits for shareholders. Instead, they reinvest their revenues into serving their members and supporting their communities.

Henry Budge

How did your understanding of leadership change?

During one of the leadership seminars the speaker told us not to be afraid to try something that might be embarrassing. I challenged myself when I applied to be a camp ambassador which required me to give several speeches.

What would you tell a student interested in attending?

Attending CYLC is a great life experience where you get to learn many leadership skills and meet great people from across the country. I truly had a great time!

Amelia Wagner

What had the greatest impact on you and why?

My favorite memory was the rafting because it was so much fun and I was working together with my friends. I’ll always remember the fun and teamwork.

What did you learn about electric co-ops?

I was surprised to learn that electric cooperatives are owned by the people they serve. Camp helped me see how much they do to support their communities.

Learn more about the Cooperative Youth Leadership camp here.