| HOME | CONTACT US | MEMBERS LOGIN | MEDIA CENTER | ABOUT KEC |
|
|
|
|
KEC Youth Programs
KEC sponsors youth programs for high school juniors each summer. Programs offered:
 |
 |
"Government In Action" Youth Tour Washington, D.C. June 10-17, 2010 |
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Steamboat Springs, CO July 17-23, 2010 |
How to Apply
Contact your local electric cooperative to find out specific details for participating. You may visit your local electric cooperative online by clicking here.
"Government In Action" Youth Tour
Washington, D.C.
June 10-17, 2010
Itinerary
- Day 1 -- Get Acquainted Banquet to meet all the Youth Tour participants.
- Day 2 -- Tour the Kansas State Capitol and Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant.
- Day 3 -- Fly to Washington, D.C., visit Old Town Alexandria and attend a threater performance.
- Day 4 -- Tour Holocaust Memorial Museum, Kennedy Center, National Archives, and Smithsonian Museums. Take a dance cruise on the Potomac River.
- Day 5 -- Attend the Youth Day Program with 1,500 other students. Tour Mr. Vernon and Smithsonian Museums. Take a Late Night City Lights Tour of Monuments.
- Day 6 -- Have breakfast on Capitol Hill with Congressmen and staff. Meet Senators. Visit Iwo Jima Memorial and shop at Pentagon City Mall.
- Day 7 -- Travel to Fort McHenry National Monument, National Aquarium, and Baltimore Inner Harbor. Attend the Youth Day farewell event.
- Day 8 -- Visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before returning to Kansas.
Testimonials
“Before my trip to Washington, D.C., the capitol was something in school textbooks or in the news. Now I realize that it is, in fact, a fairly normal city – albeit one with an exceptionally rich history. I learned that D.C. belongs to every U.S. citizen; it’s part mine – not exclusively the property of politicians and government officials. This trip was an amazing opportunity to learn about my country and government.” Becky Haddican, 2007 Pioneer Electric Participant
“Touring our nation’s capitol is like stepping back into our nation’s history; from seeing the birthplace of our National Anthem to seeing the final resting place for those who gave everything for our country. Pride built up in me as I looked upon how far we’ve come as a country and I felt inspired to leave a legacy. The Government in Action Youth Tour has equipped me with the tools to accomplish my goals and helped me become a better leader. This is definitely the trip of a lifetime and I recommend it to everyone, it will change your life for the better.”Christy Stones, 2007 Midwest Energy Participant
Rural Electric Youth Tour Origin
Sen. Lyndon Johnson inspired the Youth Tour when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. He declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
Consequently, some Texas electric cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer in Sen. Johnson’s office. In 1958, an electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of the nation’s capital. Later that same year, another bus load came from Illinois. The idea grew and other states sent bus loads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” had grown to 130 delegates.
In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states. Word of the program has continued to spread and today, more than 1,500 young people and their chaperones from 45 states participate in the Youth Tour every year.
For more information, contact Shana Holsteen sholsteen@kec.org
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp
Colorado Rockies
July 17-23, 2010
Itinerary
- Day 1 -- Meet the bus, dinner at Hard Rock Cafe and overnight stay in Denver
- Day 2 -- Visit Lookout Mountain. Check into cabins. Meet students from Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
- Day 3 -- Form a Cooperative. Build a transmission line competition.
- Day 4 -- Attend a High-Voltage demonstration. Visit Mr. Werner, Fish Creek Falls, and Old Town Steamboat.
- Day 5 -- Participate in the Legislative Forum. Play in the volleyball tournament and attend the dance.
- Day 6 -- Tour Trapper Coal Mine and Craig Generation Plant. Vote for Ambassadors.
- Day 7 -- Return home.
Testimonials
“What I enjoyed about camp was how everything was a learning experience. Not only did we learn, but it was always fun; which means it sticks with you much easier. In this camp, we learned that everyone is different and they have a place, so don’t fear involvement. Friends and opportunities wait around every corner.” Jake Gibson, Pioneer Electric, 2008 Ambassador
“The most important thing I learned at camp was how much work it really takes to produce electricity, not only the actual production, but also the administrative skills needed to keep everything running smoothly. I really enjoyed being on the board of directors at camp. I can’t wait to come back next year as an ambassador.” Cassie Wandersee, Flint Hills Electric, 2008 Ambassador
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Origin
In 1973, the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., (KEC) Board of Trustees suggested that there should be an in-state conference for youth, in order to increase participation in the present Youth Tour program.
Colorado Electric Cooperatives conducted a youth leadership camp in Steamboat Springs each year. In 1976, KEC sent a representative to the camp to evaluate the camp activities and educational potential. In 1977, KEC sent its first delegates to the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (then called the Energy Seminar).
Now, nearly 100 students from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming attend the leadership camp every year.
For more information, contact Shana Holsteen sholsteen@kec.org
