Iluminando el camino
Local students attend ICUA Leadership Camp
Program students pose on the steps of the Idaho
Capitol in Boise. PHOTO COURTESY OF OPALCO
Every year, students from San Juan County schools represent Orcas Power & Light Cooperative at the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association Youth Rally.
OPALCO’s Youth Rally program— also known as the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Program—includes the week-long trip to the ICUA Youth Rally camp, as well as a $1,000 scholarship toward continuing education. Each student chosen had to apply and successfully interview to receive the scholarship and attend the camp.
In July, five students and one returning director attended the rally on behalf of OPALCO. Colter Bond, Gabe Chapman, Wren Ontjes and Lucia Rios from Orcas Island High School were joined by Vera Schoultz and returning director Matthew Van Dyck from Friday Harbor High School. These students were selected out of all sophomores and juniors from San Juan County schools.
A Week at Camp
On the first day, more than 75 students sponsored by their electric cooperative or public utility arrived from Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Utah.
Power Systems teaches students about renewable
energy sources.
The program kicked off with the inspirational words of speaker and presenter Ben Kjar, a man born with Crouzon’s syndrome who overcame many obstacles and became an All-American wrestler. After group introductions, the evening wrapped up with a cornhole tournament involving every student at the camp. Vera was part of the cornhole championship’s winning duo.
Day two was full of learning and presentations to educate and inspire. At four rotating stations, students learned about America’s electric cooperatives— their history, careers, basics of electricity and renewable energy sources.
A spokesperson from Jae Foundation, based in Idaho, spoke about the importance of mental health awareness and staying connected with loved ones. Following that was another emotional and impactful presentation on the dangers of texting and driving.
To break up things a little and get everyone moving, students completed the Co-opstacle Course to demonstrate their teamwork and communication skills and complete physical puzzles and challenges. Check out OPALCO’s social media pages for a short video on the Co-opstacle Course and to see what activities the students completed.
Day three was field trip day and started with a visit to the Idaho State Capitol. Students were given a private group tour and learned facts about the construction, history and uses of the building. They spoke with Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, who talked about the work he does and gave the group special access to enter the Idaho Capitol Senate Chamber. Students had the chance to bang the gavel and ask questions about Senate meetings and state government procedures.
Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke on the floor of the Idaho Senate Chamber.
“Meeting the lieutenant governor was really cool,” one student says. “I never really thought about politics before, but this turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip and inspired me to pay more attention in the government.”
After the tour, students had a few hours to cool down at a waterpark. Everything wrapped up with the annual talent show, where attendees had the chance to show off their skills.
The final day of camp kicked off with presentations by some key players and leaders in the electric cooperative industry, including representatives from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and PNGC Power—organizations that OPALCO and other electric cooperatives work with closely. Throughout the week, as students participated in activities and attended classes, chaperones observed and interviewed all attendees to see who exhibited leadership behaviors, acts of kindness and hard work. The chaperones then met to evaluate and select students eligible for additional scholarships and recognitions.
This all culminated in a formal awards banquet, where students received additional scholarships, and the results of the returning student director elections were announced. The banquet was followed by a celebratory dance with a DJ and a photo booth.
Premios
Each year, students who attend the ICUA leadership camp representing OPALCO stand out for their hard work, generosity, and willingness and enthusiasm to participate. This year was no exception. Multiple OPALCO students were
for the formal awards banquet. From left are Wren
Ontjes, Lucia Rios, Vera Schoultz, Matthew Van Dyck,
Colter Bond and Gabriel Chapman.
recognized for their achievements at this year’s awards banquet and were selected to receive additional scholarships. Lucia Rios and Wren Ontjes were awarded an additional $400 in scholarship money toward continuing education. Gabe Chapman and Colter Bond were awarded an additional $500. These scholarships are funded by ICUA. OPALCO is grateful for the opportunities for its students to raise funds for their continuing education.
Gabe was selected to return to the ICUA camp next year as returning director representing OPALCO. He will play a key role in planning next year’s event, facilitating activities and guiding the next group of OPALCO students through the camp.
Congratulations to all involved. OPALCO is proud of this group of students and is grateful to be able to offer this opportunity to the future generation of leaders from San Juan County.
