Electric cooperatives sponsor many youth programs during the summer months — including Energy Camp. Approximately 75 eighth-graders representing 23 Oklahoma electric cooperatives attended camp May 28-31 near Hinton, Oklahoma.
Alfalfa Electric Cooperative selected four students, Dawson Schanbacher, Garrett Ketterman and Lyndey Berry from Cherokee, and Merritt Mantz from Alva. Campers learned about the cooperative business model, power generation, transmission and distribution power lines, electric safety, and the history of Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives through various Energy Camp activities.
Campers experienced the cooperative business model firsthand by electing a board of directors who then interviewed and hired a camp general manager — AEC’s own Merrit Mants. These leaders led camp operations throughout the week.
“Energy Camp was not at all the experience I was expecting,” Mantz said. “Upon arriving and getting acquainted with my cabin and small group, my nerves were washed away. Every person I met was easy to talk to. This is the only camp you will visit that teaches about energy cooperatives and how influential they are to Oklahoma. The interview for general manager was an amazing, humbling process, and I was honored to be called ‘GM.’ I recommend Energy Camp to anyone looking for an outgoing group of friends and a week of incredible memories. Mine will last a lifetime.”
Brandon Baumgarten, leadership trainer, opened the camp by speaking to the students about the “Power in You.” Baumgarten also closed out the camp by encouraging the students to use the leadership skills they had learned at camp.
The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives coordinates Energy Camp. Campers are selected and sponsored by Oklahoma’s rural electric cooperatives. Applications for Energy Camp 2025 are due in February! Find more information about the application process on our website under youth programs!