Cooperative Leadership Camp

Each summer, the North Carolina Cooperative Council hosts a week-long, ovenight camp for youth at the NC FFA Center at White Lake, NC. Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, the camp features energetic and interactive workshops, presentations, outdoor recreation, leadership development, team building activities and small group sessions with an emphasis on how cooperatives operate. Youth who attend are sure to have an exciting, memorable learning experience while making lasting friendships with youth from across the state.

Cooperative Leadership Camp is designed to provide an enjoyable learning experience for students, concentrating on:

• The cooperative way of doing business in a free enterprise society.
• Developing leadership skills and qualities in our future community leaders.
• Building a better understanding and appreciation for cooperatives.
• Recognizing outstanding NC youth possessing leadership qualities.

Each year, five campers are selected to receive leadership awards for their unique leadership abilities and receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Institute on Co-op Education at Virginia Tech University. All campers will also be eligible to apply for the $1,000 Jim Graham Cooperative Leadership college scholarship their senior year of high school.

The schedule for the week includes organization of a t-shirt cooperative, including an election of a board of directors, and selection of a manager.  Participants are also involved in small group sessions focusing on the area of leadership development and competitive team building activities. Speakers include prominent elected leaders and officials, college professors, and representatives of marketing, purchasing and service cooperatives. Other special features include a talent show, luau and fun team competitions by the lake.

Important update

This year, due to the lasting impact of COVID-19, CDC guidelines, and the closure of the FFA facility for the remainder of the year, the camp will be held virtually June 21-25. Central Electric will still be sponsoring one youth to attend and the deadline for all applications is May 15.

The virtual version of this year's camp will include zoom meet ups, at home challenges, small group meetups and social activities. Teens will also have a chance to win prizes, showcase talents and be part of a virtual start up cooperative!  All virtual camp attendees are still eligible to apply for the $1,000 Jim Graham college scholarship during their senior year of high school.

For more information, you can contact Janet Jackson at 919-708-1638 or by email at jacksonj@cemcpower.com.

 to apply for the 2021 Cooperative Leadership Camp