Lane-Scott Electric Fuels Growth of Student Leaders at Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp
Keri Crisler and Alliah Garza represented Lane-Scott Electric at the 49th annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) held July 10–16 near scenic Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The camp brought together 80 high school student leaders from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, sponsored by 46 electric and agriculture cooperatives.
Crisler and Garza were selected by Lane-Scott because of their interest in becoming leaders of their generation, ambition to improve upon their leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities, and interest in learning about cooperatives.
Throughout the weeklong camp, students gained hands-on experience in cooperative business operations by forming and managing a mock candy cooperative. They elected a board of directors, appointed a general manager, created committees, and held daily membership meetings, mirroring the real-world structure of member-owned cooperatives. Educational sessions covered leadership development, conflict resolution, and co-op career opportunities. Highlights included electric safety demonstrations by cooperative linemen, a live raptor and avian presentation from HawkQuest, and a tour of the Craig Power Station.
CYLC offered more than just professional growth opportunities; it fostered a sense of camaraderie and adventure. Students experienced the charm of downtown Steamboat Springs and braved the rapids of the Colorado River on a rafting trip. Recreational highlights included a volleyball tournament, swimming, a talent show, and a dance.
Several students were recognized for their exceptional contributions during the camp. Carl Metcalf, sponsored by Caney Valley Electric Cooperative, received the Exemplary Leadership Award for his positive influence. Ella Buller, sponsored by Tri-County Electric Cooperative; Hannah Wiley, sponsored by Twin Valley Electric Cooperative; and Sam Murphy, sponsored by FreeState Electric Cooperative; were elected as camp ambassadors by their peers and will return to the 2027 camp as student counselors.
Crisler and Garza were asked what they wish they knew before attending camp. Both had similar responses.
Crisler said, “I wish I knew how easy it is to open up to people so I could’ve started making connections earlier.”
Similarly, Garza said, “I wish I would've known that I would've made so many friends here and that I had nothing to stress about beforehand.”
“The Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp is a meaningful way to invest in the future of our communities,” said Richard McLeon, general manager/CEO of Lane-Scott Electric. “We’re proud to support opportunities like this that help young people grow as leaders, build confidence, and bring those skills back home to make a difference.”
Lane-Scott Electric sponsors the trip of two students each year. For more information on how to attend/send students to camp, contact Ann Marie Jennings at 620-397-5327.