Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp open to high school juniors

All-expenses paid experience offers education, leadership skills, recreation

DURANGO, Colo. – La Plata Electric Association is seeking high school juniors to participate in the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp – an all-expenses paid educational/leadership camp set for July 11-16, 2010 at Glen Eden Resort outside of Steamboat Springs, Colo. Deadline for application is Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Each summer, the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp brings together approximately 100 high school students selected by electric cooperatives in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming to learn about the organization and operation of a cooperative and help build the leadership skills that will assist them in meeting the challenges of the future.

“We’ve found that the Leadership Camp is a terrific experience for the kids,” said Jeannie Bennett, LPEA public relations coordinator who oversees the application process and selection for the cooperative. “It’s a hands-on, learn by doing effort, and truly helps those kids who apply themselves to achieve greater confidence and leadership abilities.”

On Day One at camp, students form a “cooperative,” like LPEA, and elect a board of directors. Each member of the cooperative is expected to take part in the workings of the co-op by seeking election to the board or by serving on one of the camp activity committees. Students also participate in a legislative simulation and meet with state congressmen and lobbyists.

In July 2009, LPEA linemen Bobby Turner and Justin Talbot and project specialist Ray Pierotti joined area students Scott Flint of Bayfield and Anthony Porambo and Nubia Rangel of Ignacio at the Leadership Camp.

“Bobby, Justin and I, as the ‘adult’ chaperones, had a great experience, and it certainly is a valuable program for the students,” said Pierotti. “The kids all took ownership by serving on one of the activity committees.  There were some outstanding young individuals who really made the camp extraordinary for everyone.”

Pierotti also noted the visit to the Craig Electrical Power Plant and Trapper Coal Mine (where they viewed the world’s largest front end loader and witnessed a “blast”) as highlights of the week. Plenty of time was also reserved for recreation and relaxation.

All area high school juniors who receive their electric power from LPEA are eligible to participate. LPEA endeavors to sponsor one student from each municipality – Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio, and home-school students are also eligible.

To be considered, students are asked to complete the Leadership Camp application and submit it to LPEA, along with a 500-word essay reflecting the student’s personal perspective on leadership. Participants will be selected based on their essays, to be reviewed by an independent committee.

Applications are available on the LPEA web site, www.lpea.coop, from high school counselors or at the LPEA Durango and Pagosa Springs offices. For further camp information or questions, contact Jeannie Bennett, 970.382.3505, or jbennett@lpea.coop.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible.

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