August 2011 Along Those Lines
Youth Power
Indiana's electric co-ops reach out to 200 kids in two programs
After Indiana schools dismiss for the summer, Indiana’s electric cooperatives ring their bell to commence two extraordinary educational and fun-filled programs.
The Touchstone Energy Camp, held June 8-11 at YMCA Camp Tecumseh near Brookston and the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., held June 9-16, provided activities, opportunities and memories to last a lifetime for 200 Indiana youth.
Ninth annual Touchstone Energy camp
The Touchstone Energy Camp, now in its ninth season, hosted 125 students who will be entering seventh grade this month representing REMCs/RECs from around the state.
The camp offers typical summer camp fun like swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, shooting events, wall climbing and zip-line riding, along with an electrical safety demonstration and education about cooperatives and renewable energy.
A highlight of the camp was a “live line” demonstration that showed the danger lurking in live power lines and provided instructions on what kids should do if they ever encounter a power line in a car accident or other situation. Campers also found out what it’s like to be a lineworker as they climbed a pole and donned heavy safety equipment used by lineworkers to keep safe while working around electricity.
52nd Youth Tour to Washington
The Youth Tour to Washington for 75 incoming seniors from REMCs/RECs around Indiana made its 52nd eastbound excursion. There, the students met with several Indiana legislators and staff during a luncheon on Capitol Hill and attended a session of the House of Representatives, toured the museums and monuments, visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, and toured the Gettysburg battlefield.
This year’s trip began with a visit to the Hoosier Training Facility in Franklin where delegates took part in several hands-on activities which gave them an idea of the types of work a cooperative lineman performs. Students also learned about electric safety.
During the “Youth Tour Rally,” students saw former Nebraska lawmaker David Landis offer his historical portrayal of electric cooperative pioneer and champion Sen. George Norris, while keynote speaker, four-time Olympic medalist in USA Men’s wheelchair basketball, Mike Schlappi, shared his inspirational message and encouraged the students to “stand out” no matter what they choose to do with their life.
In addition, Emma Metz, sponsored by Bartholomew County REMC, was selected to represent Indiana on the Youth Leadership Council. Youth Tour participants selected to the YLC earned a second trip to Washington in July where they continued a more in-depth education of cooperatives and energy issues. They will also attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting next March in San Diego.