The 2021 Mini Youth Tour!

Building lifelong friendships while exploring history and government. 

The five students selected to represent Choptank Electric during the 2020 Youth Tour felt like fate had dealt them a bad hand. In addition to missing out on valuable social experiences, COVID-19 deprived them of the opportunity to experience Youth Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 
Throughout 2021, Choptank Electric was concerned about whether it would be possible to provide any programs to this exceptional group of teens. After COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in May, and the state of emergency subsided in many parts of the country, the Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) asked its members, which include Choptank Electric Cooperative, if there was interest in a “Mini” Youth Tour experience. The answer was a resounding “Yes.” Choptank Electric Cooperative was thrilled to take part in a more localized, Mini Youth Tour this year, and extended the opportunity to their 2020 Youth Tour representatives. 
Four out of the five students were able to attend the 2021 Mini Youth Tour to represent Choptank Electric Cooperative in Williamsburg, VA, from July 28-30. The students were: Lauren Kang, The Salisbury School; Alyssa Boltz, Mardela High School; Owen Mank, Colonel Richardson High School; and Tommy Connolley, Bohemia Manor High School. Students from other local cooperatives also attended, including Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, Community Electric Cooperative, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. 
Williamsburg was hot, but with a full roster of educational and recreational activities, the students didn’t mind the heat. The schedule included a walking tour of the re-created settlement of Jamestown, a sunset sailing adventure on the York River, a private tour of Colonial Williamsburg, visiting Busch Gardens, and an excursion to the Military Transportation Museum. 
In addition to visiting these sites, the students also met with Delegate Jay Jones and Delegate Emily Brewer from Virginia in person, while Maryland Delegate Johnny Mautz, Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes, and Harford County Executive Barry Glassman met via Zoom call. The students were able to ask questions about their service, their experiences, and how they might position themselves to be better advocates. 
“It’s not a full substitute for Youth Tour, but we wanted to do something special for these students who were nominated by their co-ops,” says Andrew Vehorn, VMDAEC vice president of member and public affairs, who also serves as the Association’s Youth Tour director. He and many others across the U.S. remain hopeful for a return to a full tour in 2022.
The original Youth Tour program was created in 1958 by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) typically oversees the tour in the belief that co-op youths should experience the nation’s capital up close and learn about the political process. To keep the NRECA involved in this smaller program, Beth Knudson, NRECA’s Youth Programs & Training Manager, spoke to the students before the delegates arrived. She educated them about Youth Tour, cooperatives, and the impact that they have on the world today. 
“Youth Tour is an exceptional program with a rich history based in Washington, D.C.,” says Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative. “However, allowing our students to experience North America’s historical origins in Williamsburg was an incredible way for us to expose our young members to the roots of this great nation and learn about the political process at a localized level where real change is possible.” 
While there were a few tears shed as students said their goodbyes at the Military Transportation Museum, they knew that these friendships would last a lifetime. 
“I loved the intimacy of a smaller group of people, and to take in all the activities at our own pace. That might not be possible on a larger scale event,” says Lauren Kang. “I have absolutely loved every minute and made some real connections in such a short amount of time. I am so thankful that Choptank Electric Cooperative didn’t give up on us and helped make this small Youth Tour experience a reality!” 
“I have chaperoned students for a few years now, and while the trip location was different, the essence of Youth Tour was not,” says Elizabeth Hallett, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Choptank Electric Cooperative. “These students were able to explore some unique historic sites, make new friends, and learn from one another. It amazes me to see how students take advantage of this unique opportunity to grow as individuals and as students each year.”