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 27 to 30 near Hinton, Oklahoma.
Alfalfa Electric Cooperative (AEC) selected six students, Creed Patterson, Kendal Collins, Kaylee Eckhardt, Jordan Alvidrez, and Colton Fisher from Cherokee, and Harper Williams 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.
CREED PATTERSON, one of this year’s enthusiastic attendees, couldn’t stop raving about his experience. “Energy Camp is awesome for many reasons. It lets kids learn about cooperatives and work on leadership skills,” he said. “In my free time, there were lots of activities to do that were super fun.” Through engaging sessions, students explored the unique member-owner structure behind electric cooperatives. Many walked away with a fresh appreciation for how rural Oklahoma communities stay connected and powered. It’s a topic many adults don’t even fully grasp,
making this an invaluable head start for these young participants. Alfalfa Electric Cooperative proudly sponsors students from across its service area, making this life-changing experience accessible for local teens. Every summer, a new group gets the chance to attend Energy Camp and gain extraordinary knowledge while building friendships that span county lines. Applications open in February 2026.