Since that time, thousands of students across the country have attended the Rural Electric Youth Tour, now the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. These students meet others from across the country, see monuments, visit museums and meet with Congressional members, and their aides, to learn about how the government works.

There are, of course, social aspects as well to include youth day, a boat ride down the Potomac River and an all-states dance. This year, we were excited to send high school juniors, Mallory Edwards (ME) and Brady West (BW), on this weeklong trip and we asked for some feedback.

What better way to learn about what makes the trip for students? We have compiled those answers for prospective students interested in learning more.

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What appealed to you about the Youth Tour?

BW: The people, not only did we have people from all across North Carolina, but people from all across the country. It was a fun and interesting experience to meet all the different types of people.

ME: I was so excited to have an opportunity to visit the famous monuments honoring influential Americans while also touring places, such as the Capitol, that have served such an important function in our nation’s history. I was also highly interested in the opportunity to meet some of our legislators and get a glimpse of what working in an elected official’s office entails. Additionally, other fun opportunities such as a cruise down the Potomac River made the Youth Tour even more appealing. A full list of activities can be found on our web site.

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Did one experience stand out over others on this trip?

ME: While every Youth Tour experience was memorable, touring the Capitol was one of my favorite experiences in Washington, D.C. The rotunda was amazing, while the paintings depicting our nation’s history and the statues of great Americans displayed there, were truly incredible.

BW: The best experience was either the final ball or the boat cruise! The final ball had everyone from all youth tour groups there and it was like one big party with everyone you knew and didn’t know! There were many kind people I met, especially from Texas and it was just excellent experience provided! The boat cruise had a similar effect, but on the water! Overall, both were wonderful! Schedules are made by states, so there may be times you interact with students from South Carolina, or Texas, and another time you might see someone from Iowa. Most often you will be with fellow North Carolinians.

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What would you tell students interested in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?

BW: I would have to tell them it’s like touring everywhere you wanted to in DC, with free time, and with a bunch of cool people you never met before!

ME: This trip is an opportunity to make lifelong memories and gain a deeper appreciation for our nation, its history, and our electric cooperatives. Through this trip, students are able to visit all the highlights of D.C. while building friendships with their fellow youth tourists.

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Was there anything you didn’t do, but wish you could have?

ME: While meeting the staffers of our senators was good, it would have been great to have met the senators as well. Nevertheless, I gained so many great experiences. I just wish we had more time in D.C.

BW: There was nothing that I wanted to do that I didn’t get to do, so that was good.

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What experience impacted you most?

BW: It is a great experience in terms of both people, experience and learning about yourself in the world around you!

ME: There are so many appealing parts of the Youth Tour that would be great to incorporate in an article about the trip. It is a great mix of fun and educational opportunities as well as relationship building.