2026 Youth Leadership Camp
BUTLER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FUELS GROWTH OF STUDENT LEADERS AT COOPATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
Iris Sanchez, an upcoming senior from Douglass High School, recently represented Butler Electric Cooperative at the 49th annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYCL) held July 10-16 near scenic Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The camp brought together 80 high school student leaders from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming, sponsored by 46 electric and agriculture cooperatives.
Iris was selected by Butler Electric Cooperative because of her exemplary leadership skills, academic
excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, and strong character as demonstrated in her application and during Butler's interview process.
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. Elle 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.
Reflecting on her experience, Sanchez shared, “This trip inspired me a lot but believe it or not, rafting inspired me. I’ve only been in the flat plains of Kansas and haven’t been out much. Being a shelter child and being deaf doesn’t really help but this made me realize I love Colorado, I love the people, and I especially love the cabins. They felt like home for just a little bit. So, this inspires me to finally step out of my comfort and leave home and move over here and maybe help with campers just like us.”
"The Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp is a meaningful way to invest in the future of our communities," said Kevin Brownlee, Butler Electric CEO. "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."
Butler Electric Cooperative has a long history of supporting local youth. Butler sponsored the first Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp delegate in 2005. Every year since then, one student whose family lives on Butler's cooperative lines has been chosen to attend CYLC. Over 21 students have attended so far and each year, Butler looks forward to giving a young leader the experience of a lifetime.
For more information about this camp and other youth programs, contact Dakota Smith, dsmith@butler.coop, or click here.
