Energy Camp
What is Energy Camp?!
Energy Camp is a 4-day summer camp designed to help student leaders grow in leadership development through team building and cooperation activities. Campers also learn about one of rural America’s most important accomplishments—rural electrification.
Campers experience electricity in a new light!
Each year, more than 80 students from all across Oklahoma are sponsored by rural electric cooperatives to participate in Energy Camp.
How to I become a camper?
Energy Camp is sponsored by local Oklahoma electric cooperatives making it FREE for students to participate!
- Local electric cooperatives select students to participate in camp through various competition strategies (essays, video, speech … etc.).
- Energy Camp is open to incoming/outgoing 8th graders from across Oklahoma.
- Make sure to find your local electric cooperative and reach out about how you can apply and win a trip to camp!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
(Application link will be available in early spring.)
What happens at Energy Camp?
Energy Camp has something exciting for everyone! Whether you’re the most outgoing individual or maybe a more reserved person, you will have a great time at Energy Camp.
Here are just a few of the fun activities:
- hear from amazing leadership motivational speakers
- participate in various team building group activities
- learn the science behind electricity
- BE A LINEWORKER for the day! Campers will have an opportunity to ride in a bucket truck, climb a pole, watch a live electric safety demo, check out an EV car showcase, interact with a robot … and much more!
Learn more from the Energy Camp Director, Energy Camp Counselors and Energy Campers in the video below!
ABOUT ENERGY CAMP
History and Purpose
What began as a quest to fill a void in programs offered by Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives to young people within their service territories culminated in the creation of the YouthPower Energy Camp.
In 1988, Kenny Scruggs, Rural Electric Cooperative’s Director of Member Services & Marketing, along with Don Crabbe and Patti Glover of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, ventured to Thedford, Nebraska, to evaluate a camp created by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association for juniors in high school. This camp concept was modified and adapted for eighth graders.
Beginning in 1989, electric cooperatives from across the state began conducting various selection methods to qualify students for the camp. Essay contests, speech contests and academic placement were all factors in determining which students would be eligible to attend Energy Camp.
There are three principles that Energy Camp is founded upon:
1: Cooperation
2: Teamwork
3: Leadership Development
Safety education is also encouraged and taught at the camp.
Since the first camp was conducted in 1989, more than 850 young people have participated. Many have gone on to participate in NRECA’s Rural Electric Youth Tour, a program designed for students who have completed their junior year in high school. Several former Energy Campers have graduated with Honors from various Oklahoma colleges and universities.
Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives are proud supporters of this camp and are committed to the principles outlined above.
Energy Camp Directors, Counselors & Nurse
Each year, co-op employees from across the state volunteer to be a counselor for Energy Camp. Campers will develop beneficial bonds with each counselor and get first-hand experience on what it is like to work for an electric co-op. Energy Camp also has a registered nurse onsite ALL week to help administer medications, care for bumps and bruises and any other camper needs that may arise. All adults at Energy Camp have completed recent background checks.
PREPARING FOR ENERGY CAMP
So … you won a trip to camp this year!? Congratulations!!
Now … let’s help you get ready with these handy tips:
Energy Camp is held the Tuesday through Friday after Memorial Day each year. Late May/Early June weather is unpredictable. We have to be ready for anything from hot, sunny afternoons to cloudy, rainy mornings. We will be outside for the majority of camp so pack lightweight clothing!
WHAT TO PACK:
- twin bedding and/or sleeping bag
- pillow
- multiple towels/wash cloths (swimming & showering)
- toothbrush & toothpaste
- other personal hygiene items (shampoo/conditioner/soap/deodorant/etc … )
- refillable water bottle (labeled with camper name!)
- swimsuit
- clothing (all clothing MUST be appropriate for a leadership program)
- 4-5 shirts
- 4-5 shorts/pants
- underwear
- socks
- pajamas
- hoodie or light jacket (morning/evenings can be cool)
- something BRIGHT to wear for the NEON dance party!
- closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes – REQUIRED by camp
- flip flops/water shoes (inside cabin only)
- plastic trash bag or laundry bag for dirty/wet clothes
- sunscreen/bug repellent (we provide these supplies at camp, only bring if specialty products are needed)
- VITAL MEDICATIONS: MUST be in the original, labeled container w/written instructions provided for the camp nurse
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
- tablets, laptops, valuables, etc …
- anything you would be upset if it were lost or broken
- NO TOLERANCE: fireworks, weapons, knives, explosives, etc …
- NO TOLERANCE: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vape supplies, etc …
The Campgrounds
Energy camp is in a beautiful canyon with newly remodeled facilities. On the first day of camp, students will be put into groups designated to a certain cabin where they will sleep/shower/get ready … counselors will be assigned to each cabin, as well.
Cellphone Signal – THERE ISN’T ANY
That’s correct … unfortunately the campgrounds has no cellphone signal. BUT, the Camp Directors, counselors, camp staff will have access to Wifi. Signal is also available on top of the canyon by a big cross where we allow students to hike (with a counselor) up to the cross and use their phones during designated free time. If there is ever an ABSOLUTE need for a camper to get ahold of a parent/guardian, we will have one of the counselors drive the camper up the hill and make calls.
Camp Meals
Every meal is provided by the camp staff (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). Water will be always readily available to campers. Campers will enjoy a pizza party during camp, as well!
We accommodate food/drink allergies, as needed. Please be sure to let us know in your medical release form prior to attending camp.