Each summer, middle schoolers from across Tennessee descend upon Knoxville’s University of Tennessee campus for summer camp. But this isn’t the cabin-and-lake camp you may be envisioning. This camp is all about energy.
For three days, campers were immersed in the world of electricity, learning about topics like electrical safety, home energy conservation, robotics, wind energy generation, and electric vehicles. The event – sponsored by local power companies, TVA and customer associations – gives students a glimpse into TVA and its mission of service.
This year’s theme was “Energizing Every Moment,” and TVA Power Customer Contracts Manager Andrew Harris participated for the eighth year.
“Teaching the youth about the electric industry and TVA ensures that we are seeding the future workforce of our region with our history, a glimpse into our mission and tying what we do to their day-to-day lives in hopes that some of these children carry on the mission of service that TVA and our local power companies carry out every day,” Andrew said.
According to Andrew, the partnership between the 23 electric cooperatives, 24 municipal LPCs and two associations is critical for the success of the camp.
“These are the individuals who are experts in their fields, who serve the communities the kids live in, and who volunteer their time to teach the youth of tomorrow what role we play in providing the critical infrastructure that many take for granted,” he said.
Campers also constructed their own electric lamps, which they plan to give to CEO Don Moul and Communications and Customer Affairs Vice President Jeremy Fisher.
After three days of fun and learning came to an end, Andrew says he hopes the lessons have a lasting effect on the kids who participated.
“I hope they come away with an appreciation for the electric industry, information about electric safety and a hands-on introduction to STEM related to the electric industry.”
