For some, summer means hot days sitting around the pool, sleeping in, or late-night campfires. Summer is healing and often cherished as a time for memorable family traditions and activities. For others, it means more time to be productive. For Henry County REMC, it means that Summer Camp is right around the corner!

Henry County REMC will host its third annual Summer Cooperative Camp from June 24 through June 28. This unique week-long camp is designed to educate high school students about skilled trades and cooperative career opportunities. Local businesses and contractors have come together to volunteer their time, effort, and generosity to ensure individuals leave camp with valuable insight and information for an attainable future.

Last year, students began with a welcome message over breakfast with HCREMC staff and board members. They were given kits containing PPE (personal protective equipment), such as safety glasses, vests, hard hats, and gloves. Throughout the week, you may have seen students with staff replacing old poles at the New Castle Saddle Club, cutting trees at Westwood Park, or attending a pole top rescue demonstration on HCREMC grounds.

They participated in a hands-on fiber demonstration with NineStar and some classroom time with Indiana Electric Cooperatives learning about cooperative careers and how to apply. Hoosier Energy provided ATSSA flagger certification for those students who qualified, and Mark-It-Right allowed the students to use underground locating equipment.

On the last day of camp, contractors, vendors, volunteers, staff, and students came together for an interactive day full of outside activity and hands-on learning.

Climbing a utility pole, digging underground, and working out of a bucket truck were some of the more attractive stations to eager participants. The staff of HCREMC provided a cookout-style lunch with a break to “dunk a lineman” in the dunk tank! Summer Camp is held daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so breakfast and lunch were provided by local sponsors like Mancino’s of New Castle, Ky’s Kreation, and Boar’s Head.

Summer camp is open to the public, and high school students are welcome to register online at hcremc.com/community/youthprograms. The deadline to apply is May 19.

Students truly just need to bring themselves and a little enthusiasm for learning. We hope to see you soon!