Faces, Places & Voices Of Poudre Valley REA – Youth Tour 2023

Your cooperative routinely sends high school juniors and seniors to join other students from across the country on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

There, kids experience all our Nation’s Capital has to offer — like touring historic monuments and museums, meeting state and national legislators, and learning about the benefits of electric cooperatives and the co-op business model.

Read What This Year’s Youth Tour Students Had To Say!

Shannon C.

1. What was the biggest highlight of your trip?

The biggest highlight of our trip, for me, was the river cruise on the Potomac. It was the first time on the trip where I really connected with other students on the tour. It was so fun learning and connecting with my new friends and meeting students from other states to trade state pins and talk.

2. Describe something you learned or found interesting.

I was surprised to learn about the different people who also came along on this trip from different parts of Colorado and different states. When I first met everybody, I was worried that they were all too different than me for me to become friends with them. But as the trip progressed, I learned that I am more alike to others than I thought. It was really interesting seeing this new side of me that talked to people so easily!

3. How did this trip change your opinions of our government and elected officials?Before our tour, I just imagined congressmen to only really care about the needs of the state as a whole instead of each individual community. But as we asked questions, I understood that some representatives and senators care more about individuals and really took the time to listen to us.

4. How did this trip shape your understanding of electric co-ops?

The talks and experiences had pretty much solidified my thoughts about electric co-ops. From the beginning, I understood that co-ops were for the people. The Youth Tour staff we heard from were so caring and helped us learn even more about the details and history behind co-ops.

5. What’s your biggest takeaway and how can it help you moving forward?

My biggest takeaway has been that once I come out of my nerves, things like this are fun! I was honestly so worried that I wouldn’t fit in or make friends. But after the cruise activity, I was feeling more content. My whole life I’ve been worried about unfamiliar things, but on this trip, I was able to open up and show myself that I can do more than I thought. In the future, this new reassurance will help me grow further and not be afraid of the unknown.

Danielle J.

1. What was the biggest highlight of your trip?I particularly enjoyed Fort McHenry and the Iwo Jima Sunset Parade! I think the highlight for me though, was getting to know my amazing roommate!

2. Describe something you learned or found interesting.At Ford’s Theatre, I thought it was interesting to learn that Lincoln dreamed about his own death a few days before he was shot.

3. How did this trip change your opinions of our government and elected officials?The trip did not change my way of thinking about how our government operates, but I did find it interesting to talk with our representatives from Congress and see how they responded or failed to respond to our questions.

4. How did this trip shape your understanding of electric co-ops?This trip reminded me what a blessing it is to have electricity and not have to worry about where it’s coming from. I learned that co-ops do so much more than provide electricity — they help people out as well, like how they took all of us on this amazing trip to see our Nation’s Capital!

5. What’s your biggest takeaway and how can it help you moving forward?

My biggest takeaway from this trip is a strengthened sense of pride in our country. I’ve always been patriotic and visiting all the memorials and being reminded of all the amazing things we’ve done was amazing. I was touched when we first saw the flag at Fort McHenry and was so grateful I was chosen to go on this amazing trip!

Applications For The 2024 Washington D.C. Youth Tour Are Now Open

If you know a high school student who could benefit from this amazing experience, check out our Washington DC Youth Tour Page and apply today!