Two local students representing Alfalfa Electric Cooperative participated in the 47th Annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) July 12-18, 2024. Near scenic Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this event brought together 79 student leaders from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming, sponsored by 44 participating electric and agriculture cooperatives.
Mariana Correa from Kremlin-Hillsdale High School, and Brooklyn Murrow from Alva High School, were selected because of their exemplary leadership, academic skills, involvement in extracurricular activities, and strong character. These student leaders submitted their applications and videos, were selected as finalists, and then interviewed.
Students learned about the cooperative organizational structure and operation throughout the camp by forming a candy cooperative. Students collaborated with their peers to successfully operate their cooperative, elected a board of student directors, appointed a general manager, formed committees, and engaged in daily membership meetings. In addition to these experiences, participants attended seminars covering leadership, conflict management, and co-op career pathways. The agenda also featured sessions on electric safety and avian protection by HawkQuest, as well as a tour of the Craig Power Station.
Correa was excited to get home and tell her family about camp. “The scenery, people’s attitudes, the way I was treated — everything! This camp was truly a life-changing experience because of all the people I met and all the things I learned and got to do,” she said.
CYLC wasn’t just about professional development; it also embraced the spirit of camaraderie and adventure. Students toured Mount Werner and downtown Steamboat Springs and then went white-water rafting on the Colorado River. Students also participated in various recreational activities including a volleyball tournament, swimming, a talent show and a dance.
Leadership camp changed Murrow’s outlook in many ways. “Be a fountain, not a drain. Be a positive influence instead of a negative person. I also learned more about the big impact cooperatives play in our communities,” she said.
AEC invests in empowering young leaders, which is why we support CYLC. It is your co-op’s way of allowing students to step up and impact their communities.
