by Bruce Graham,
CEO of Indiana Statewide
Association of RECSSummer, and the livin’ is easy … unless you’ve been an electric co-operative chaperone or advisor for the many youth programs your electric co-ops are involved in. Then, it’s been a hot and busy time.
In June, 124 middle school kids participated in the eighth annual Touchstone Energy Camp (this month’s featured story). Meanwhile, Indiana’s 51st group of high school students departed for the annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. From now until the end of the State Fair, Indiana co-op folks will be heavily involved in the 4-H Electric program, and we’ve sponsored FFA activities.
While these programs are all about fun and education, co-ops take these and our many other youth programs seriously. Exposing students of all ages to electrical safety and education, co-op and government education and leadership training makes for better-rounded youth who grow up to be better-informed and skilled adults.
And, we hope, some of these adults will be inspired by their previous interactions with co-ops to carry on as lineworkers, office employees and board directors for their local electric cooperatives, or at least better community leaders and involved co-op consumers and citizens.
Thank you to the parents who let us be part of their lives in more direct and personal ways than just providing electricity or a monthly publication. Letting us spend time with your kids is a great honor and privilege.