One year ago this month I received a letter from Prairie Land Electric Co. which included an application for the 2014 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. I had to take a test and complete an interview at the cooperative’s base in Newton, Kansas. A few days later they called to inform me that I had won a trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I didn't know what to expect from the camp or who I was going to meet, but now that I look back on the experience, I realize it has completely altered my my life in the best way possible.
At the Camp there were people from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, and a lucky guy from Utah. There were 98 students including 6 ambassadors. Ambassadors are the kids that attended camp the previous summer and were elected by the campers to return. This one week of camp was the highlight of my summer. If I had the time to write a book about this my experience I would. Unfortunately this is a blog so I’ll give my best synopsis of what it was like. Enjoy!
July 12
Saturday morning I left my house to meet the Kansas/Oklahoma bus. When I stepped on I was greeted by Nick and Lara, two of the ambassadors. Each camper recieved a name badge, snack bag, sweatshirt, and a number (except for Kevin, he got two numbers). Basically it was a way to make sure everyone was on the bus by saying their number in order. It was a bit awkward at first, but as the day went on the more talkative we became. Of course it was nearly impossible to learn everyone's name on the first day. Chandler, one of the campers, had no problem with this challenge. Some got a nickname from him, such as Madison Square Gardens or Lizzy the Lizard but at the end of the night he knew all of 41 campers.
July 13
After a night’s stay in Denver, Colorado we began our long journey to the Glen Eden Resort. Once we arrived we met the rest of the campers and got settled into our cabins. Since this was partially meant to teach students about the organization and operation of a cooperative, we formed our own. We were each put into one of ten small groups and elected a Board of Directors and a General Manager. Then we signed up for committees such as dance, cabin, canteen, games, etc. At the end of the evening we had free time to go swimming and meet other campers.
July 14
Each day at camp was always packed with tons of adventure. It required early mornings but once everyone had some coffee and bacon, we were all set. The day started with a legislative simulation and speakers from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Touchstone Energy. Then we traveled to Steamboat Springs and toured Fish Creek Falls. We got the chance to view a beautiful waterfall and put our feet in the river. For the rest of the afternoon the campers walked downtown steamboat to buy souvenirs and check out the candy shop. When we returned to the Glen we watched a high voltage display where cooperative linemen blew up different foods and taught us about powerline safety. To end the night we had some free time which turned into a Bring Your Own Bacon (BYOB) party.
July 15
Anticipation began early as we prepared for the white water rafting trip down the Colorado River. Once we reached our destination each of us put on a life jacket and hopped into the nearest raft. As we started our 11- mile journey in the refreshing water, the battles began. Each raft was full of ammo such as gallon buckets and water guns to attack other boats. It didn't matter how loudly campers screamed, they all got soaked. We finished the night with a dance. Campers two-stepped, wobbled, and did other forms of shaking on the floor to favorite songs.
July 16
We started the morning with 2015 ambassador speeches and preliminary voting. Next we watched a presentation on avian protection and listened to speakers talk about leadership and motivation. The big excitement of the day was the barbecue, volleyball tournament, and talent show. During this time campers competed in their small groups for the volleyball victory (congrats group 7). We also managed to pile 30 campers into one very small hot tub to beat the record of the previous year. To wrap up the night, there was a talent show. Many gifted teenagers performed. It’s safe to say the Arthur’s true calling is to play the kazoo and Tamara will someday win American Idol.
July 17
This was a bittersweet day for all of the campers. We had another full day to look forward to but sadly it was our last. We loaded the buses and departed for Craig Power Plant and the Trapper Mines. After the tours we freshened up for the banquet. Before we had dinner all of the campers took a gondola to Mt. Werner. Many photos were taken of small groups, new friends, and the camp gingers. After dinner ambassador candidates gave speeches and we headed back to the Glen. The night was finished with the ambassador ceremony and one last dance.
July 18
This was the most dreadful morning of camp. We were all taking our time packing our bags and cleaning the cabins because no one was ready to say goodbye. Campers slowly made their way to the vans and buses to load their bags. Every hug got harder to give and the thought that some of us might never see each other again was unimaginable. As the Kansas/Oklahoma bus departed from the resort for the last time many campers’ eyes (including mine) were full of tears. There were several stops along the way where campers got off the bus to return home; each stop was worse than the last. We had only known each other a week, but we lived a lifetime in it.
When the bus reached Salina my parents were anxiously waiting for me. I said my goodbyes and got in the car to go home. When my parents asked what I thought of camp, I managed to sob three words. “It was great.”
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