2026 Youth Leadership Camp
BUTLER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FUELS GROWTH OF STUDENT LEADERS AT COOPATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
Iris Sanchez, representing Butler Electric Cooperative, recently participated in the 49th Annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CY:C) 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.
Sanchez 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 through 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.
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 sheltered child and being deaf doesn’treally 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 and providing opportunities for young leaders to grow. For decades, Butler has sponsored local students to attend Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC), giving them the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make lifelong connections and experience something truly memorable. Year after year, we look forward to supporting another young leader and giving them an experience they will carry with them for years to come.
For more information about this camp and other youth programs, contact Dakota Smith, dsmith@butler.coop, or click here.
