LPEA seeking applicants for Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp

All-expenses paid experience provides "leadership edge" to high school sophomores

DURANGO, Colo. – La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) invites high school sophomores to participate in the Colorado Electric Education Institute (CEEI) Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp – an all-expenses paid educational/leadership camp set for July 13-18, 2019 at Glen Eden Resort outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Deadline for student applications is Friday, February 8, 2019.

(L-R) Kale Hall, Emily Cole, Britton Brewer, Madilyn Hankins and Justus Logan traveled to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to attend the Colorado Electric Education Institute’s Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in 2018. The delegates were sponsored by La Plata Electric Association, Inc. and Empire Electric Association, Inc.

“It’s not just another camp,” said Lonnie Tucker, LPEA communications coordinator handling the local application process. “This is an experience that will help students build for their future and help them gain valuable leadership and interpersonal relationship skills that will benefit them in an increasingly competitive world.”

Organizers note that “fun” is also part of the experience, and scheduled activities include a river trip and dance, a visit to Steamboat Springs and Fish Creek Falls, plus free time at the swimming pool.

For 38 years, the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp has brought together some 100 high school students selected by electric cooperatives in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming to help build the leadership skills that will assist them in meeting the challenges of the future, plus learn about the organization and operation of a cooperative.

“As part of our commitment to community, LPEA, in partnership with our trade association, the Colorado Rural Electric Association, hopes to help young people from those areas served by rural electric cooperatives gain a competitive edge,” said Mike Dreyspring, LPEA CEO. “The camp is a hands-on, learn by doing effort. Experiences like this truly help those participants who apply themselves achieve greater confidence and leadership abilities that will benefit them in the future.”

LPEA will sponsor three high school sophomores. All area high school sophomores who receive their electric power from LPEA are eligible to participate in the 2019 camp, including home-school students.

To be considered, students must complete the 2019 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Application (PDF file) and submit it to LPEA, along with a 500-word essay reflecting the student’s personal perspective on leadership. Applicants should have a strong academic record, be interested in enhancing their leadership potential and have an interest in meeting new people.

2019 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Application (PDF file) is available on the LPEA web site, www.lpea.coop, from high school counselors, and at the LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs. For further information regarding the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp at Glen Eden Resort, contact Lonnie Tucker, 970.382.3511 or ltucker@lpea.coop.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative celebrating 80 years in 2019, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 42,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop