Schwager Attends NREA Youth Leadership Camp

Each year many of Nebraska’s public power districts send students to Halsey’s National Forest 4-H camp where they can learn about electricity. Erin Schwager of Orchard was given the opportunity by North Central Public Power to attend this year’s NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp July 10-14th.

While there, Schwager was able to learn about proper safety standards for electricity.

“I came in with having no knowledge. I now think if something were to happen, I would handle it responsibly,” said Schwager.

The camp also provides a hands on approach to electricity standards and vital leadership skills in the role of a public power district. Many receive the opportunity to be district managers while at camp and can be a part of the board of directors similar to how a power district operates.  

“I not only learned about electricity but gained leadership skills too,” said Schwager.

While she was hesitant to go, Schwager said that one of the best learning experiences was when the group visited Gerald Gentleman Station, a coal-fired power plant and Kingsley Hydro located near Lake McConaughy.

“I didn’t realize that we had a coal plant in Nebraska,” said Schwager.

Other activities included learning how to pole climb, bucket rides and building an electronic safe.

“We had a lot of hands on stuff and cool presentations. It wasn’t just sitting there listening.”

Schwager will also receive the opportunity to attend Washington, D.C. next summer sponsored by North Central Public Power on the NREA Youth Tour. Students from all around the nation will get the chance to tour all of D.C. and surrounding states learning about our nation’s history.

All students are provided the opportunity to go to the NREA Youth Leadership camp through your local public power district. More information can be found through your local public power district or school counselor.

“I think many other kids should go to it. It didn’t really get my interest at first, but afterward, it was really fun,” said Schwager.

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