Each summer, the Council holds a week-long, overnight camp for youth, held at the NC FFA Center at White Lake, NC. Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, this camp features energetic and interactive workshops and 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
Co-op Leadership Camp is held at the NC FFA Center at White Lake, where campers are able to enjoy recreation and afternoon free time at the lake. Camp starts on Sunday afternoon and concludes Thursday by noon. The schedule for the week includes the 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, Awards night and fun team competitions by the lake.
SPONSORSHIPS MAKE CAMP UNIQUE. All youth who attend are sponsored by CCNC member cooperatives or Cooperative Extension 4H Clubs. This allows campers to represent their co-op or organization throughout the week of camp, and gives youth an opportunity to have a meaningful experience.
SPECIAL AWARDS also add to the camp experience. Each year the campers vote on the top performing co-op teens at a special awards banquet! The Banquet night is a fun and special night to recognize the hard work they have put into their cooperative at camp! All students who attend Co-op Leadership Camp are eligible for the Jim Graham $1,000 college scholarship, which they apply for their senior year of high school.
Members of CCNC and Extension 4H Clubs are welcome to sponsor teens on an individual basis!
The cost is $375 per teen which covers:
- Bus transportation to and from camp from one of the bus stops
- Food and (camping) lodging for the week
- Camp Backpack
- Cooperative Programing
- Awards and Special event fun
- Lake swimming, team building and new friends!
To get a teen into this years program, have them fill out the Application paperwork before May 15th! Space is limited!
Registration forms for teens will be required by June 1st.
Sponsorships Needed! Check out what is needed here! Staff Needed– come spend the week at White Lake! Send in your background check forms after submitting your application!
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