Youth In Action

Following a jam-packed week in Idaho, six students return home to San Juan County with newfound leadership skills and recognition of their achievements

Every year, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative sponsors a scholarship program for a group of San Juan County high school sophomores and juniors, made possible by the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship program and the continued support of the Jensen family.
The program offers each student $1,000 toward continuing education, an all-expenses-paid trip to a leadership camp in Idaho and the chance to earn additional scholarships.

A week at camp
The Youth Rally, hosted by the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association, is packed full of activities each year.
Day 1 is filled with icebreaker activities and chances for students to mingle with peers from other co-ops. A motivational speaker each year inspires students to work hard and make the most of the week ahead. This year, former Marine Corps scout sniper and two-time Paralympic gold medalist Josh Sweeney kicked off things with his story of overcoming physical disability after a severe accident during his service.

Day 2 is a curriculum-heavy day, requiring close attention and active participation. Classes on the electric utility industry, personal finance, first aid/CPR and automotive 101 were among this year’s lessons. Following longer lectures on mental health advocacy and preventing texting while driving, students took part in the famed Co-opstacle Course, a series of physical challenges requiring small groups to work together to solve puzzles or complete obstacles— including one where a group had to flip over a tarp while standing on it. It’s hard work, but tons of fun.

Day 3 is field trip day—remembered by many past students as their favorite day of camp. The day includes a tour of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, covering the building’s history, the structure of the state government and notable figures who were a part of its legacy. Afterward, students head to a water park for a few hours of fun in the hot Boise sun. Just when the day seems to be winding down, everyone gathers at the theater on the Northwest Nazarene University campus for a talent show, featuring everything from singing and dancing to comedy and physical feats.

Day 4 includes a few more classes and presentations, but most of the day is dedicated to an awards banquet and closing celebration. Students who performed above and beyond throughout the week are recognized with various awards and scholarships, all awarded by the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association in addition to the $1,000 already provided to each OPALCO student.

This Year’s Delegates
The 2026 Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship recipients are Atziry Orozco, Chloe Roach, Maren Ellingson and Matthew Vasquez, all from Friday Harbor High School; and Theo Johnston, from Orcas Island High School. Joining them as the returning student director this year was Gabe Chapman, from OIHS, who was elected by his peers at the Youth Rally last year to return as a second-year director. Reflecting on the Youth Rally experience, Gabe says, “This is and was a special experience for all involved and goes to show that life is what you make it.”

This year, every first-year student representing OPALCO was awarded an additional scholarship by the ICUA on the merit of their accomplishments and leadership throughout the week. Maren received a $600 scholarship, Atziry and Chloe each received a $500 scholarship, and Matthew and Theo each received a $400 scholarship.
“It is such a pleasure to chaperone this trip with the San Juan County students and get to witness their growth and accomplishments throughout the entire week,” OPALCO Communications Specialist Jo Lange says. “I am so proud of this group and can’t wait to see where they go from here.”

Maren was selected to return to the Youth Rally in 2027 as the student director and will take part in planning and facilitating the week for next year’s students. Congratulations to all the students involved. OPALCO is proud to be able to continue to offer this opportunity to San Juan County students and is grateful for the continued support of Nourdine Jensen and family. Thanks to their generosity, we can nurture and cultivate the next generation of leaders in San Juan County.