Four local eighth graders are headed for a week of jam-packed summer fun at the YouthPower Energy Camp.
Bailey Lollis of Blanchard, Chyann Emerson of Tuttle, Kellen Driever of Noble, and Olivia Braley of Norman will represent OEC at this year’s camp, to be held May 29-June 1 at Canyon Camp and Conference Center near Hinton.
Students were required to submit an application along with a letter of recommendation and a 250- to 500-word statement about what they believe makes a good leader as part of the Energy Camp contest. The four winners will join 85 other teens from across the state at Energy Camp who have won their respective co-op contests.
During the four-day, fun-filled camp, the students will learn how cooperatives operate and will even form their own. They will be split into seven “districts” — one representing each cooperative principle — and will elect a board of directors. The board of directors will then interview those interested in becoming the co-op’s general manager. Just like OEC operates by providing electricity to its members, the Energy Camp co-op will operate by providing snacks and soft drinks to its members: the Energy Campers.
In addition to learning about co-ops, campers also learn about electric safety, tower 60 feet over camp in a bucket truck, climb an electric pole (guided by trained linemen), participate in leadership and team-building activities and, of course, make lots of friends while having a blast.
OEC Education and Outreach Coordinator Tory Tedder-Loffland will accompany the students to Energy Camp and serve as a camp counselor.
Congratulations to the four winners!