Set on 195 acres of woodland and lakefront, Camp Kirkwood offered the perfect environment for students to disconnect from digital distractions and engage in hands-on learning and outdoor adventure. From the adrenaline rush of the high ropes course to soaring through the trees on the zip line, students stepped outside their comfort zones—building resilience and trust as they faced physical challenges together.

The purpose of the Power Up is to prepare emerging leaders for future opportunities by teaching them about the electric cooperative difference, the value of civic engagement, and the power of community. Guest speakers brought these themes to life through engaging presentations:

• Paul Mott, representing North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, shared an overview of NCEMC and details about the 2025 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour.
• Sara Coats, with the Cooperative Council of the Carolinas, presented on the Cooperative Leadership Camp and the role of cooperatives in a variety of industries.

“This event gives students the space to discover their leadership potential and connect with peers from across our service area,” said Hannah Mabe, Four County EMC’s Community Engagement Specialist. “It’s inspiring to watch them grow in just one day.”

The event also served as the final stage of the selection process for the 2025 NRECA Youth Tour—an educational trip to Washington, D.C., where students will explore American history, meet legislators, and experience the role of electric cooperatives on a national stage. 

We are excited to announce the 2025 Youth Tour winners: 

• Zachary Fisher, Wallace-Rose Hill High School 
• Adolfo Santiago, Union High School

In addition, we announced The Cooperative Council of the Carolinas’ (CCC) Leadership Camp winners: 

• Lily Powell, Harrells Christian Academy 
• Dayleen Maldonado Murillo, Pender Early College 

These students will represent Four County EMC at one of the two-day regional camps to learn about the cooperative business model and develop leadership skills before entering the workforce. All students who attend Cooperative Leadership Camp will be eligible to apply for CCC’s Jim Graham $1,000 Scholarship following high school graduation. 

As Four County EMC continues to invest in the next generation of leaders, events like Youth Leadership Power Up remain a cornerstone of our commitment to education, empowerment, and community development.