Idaho County Light & Power Empowers Youth Through Leadership Camp Opportunity

Story and Photo by Dana Greig

For over 30 years, Idaho County Light and Power (ICL&P) has demonstrated its commitment to empowering the community’s youth by offering an exceptional opportunity: a $750 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Idaho Consumer-owned Utilities Association’s (ICUA) Youth Rally. Held annually at Northwest Nazarene University, the Youth Rally brings together students from across the region to inspire leadership, foster personal growth, and cultivate lasting connections.

The 2025 ICUA Youth Rally, scheduled for July 7-11, promises an engaging week filled with activities and lessons aimed at equipping young leaders with essential skills. According to the event’s official website, the rally includes workshops on government and civics, renewable energy, electric generation, and the fundamentals of electricity. Attendees also participate in team-building exercises, learn about business challenges, and gain insights into the electric utility industry. The event balances education with fun, featuring activities like a talent show, obstacle courses, and dance.

Highlights from 2024 Delegates

Last year, Idaho County was represented at the rally by three delegates: Rachel Sonnen, Gracie Schuster, and Kylie Schumacher. These young leaders shared their transformative experiences and encouraged others to seize the opportunity to attend.

Kylie Schumacher: A Social Experience Like No Other

Kylie Schumacher, a junior at Prairie High School, initially applied for the rally because it seemed like a fun experience and a chance to forge connections. Reflecting on the event, she noted, “I liked the social aspect the most. I made so many new friends.” Kylie was pleasantly surprised by how busy the schedule kept participants, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere throughout the week.

The conference revealed to Kylie a new perspective on her personality, as she discovered just how outgoing and eager she is to connect with others. Looking ahead, Kylie plans to attend college and pursue a degree in a field she enjoys, though she admits her plans are still evolving. Her advice to future applicants? “Just do it. You never know if you will like it until you get there, but I promise there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll make a lot of new friends.”

Kylie will return to this year’s rally as a director. Her parents are Greg and Julie Schumacher.

Gracie Schuster: Building Confidence and Leadership

Gracie Schuster, a junior at Clearwater Valley High School, was encouraged to apply by one of her teachers, Bruce Nuxoll, who believed she would benefit greatly from the experience. Gracie embraced the opportunity and came away with newfound confidence and leadership skills. “What I want to apply from the conference is the ability to go out and talk to people with confidence,” she shared. “I also realized I had leadership skills that I hadn’t recognized before.”

Her favorite aspects of the rally included meeting new people and learning how to better serve her community as a leader. Gracie plans to attend Lewis-Clark State College after high school to study sports medicine and eventually become an athletic trainer. To future applicants, she offers this encouragement: “Go for it! You won’t lose anything by applying, and you’ll gain so much by attending. Stay open-minded, have fun, and connect with as many people as possible.”

Gracie’s parents are Johny and Bailey Schuster.

Rachel Sonnen: Breaking Out of Her Shell

For Rachel Sonnen, a senior at Prairie Junior/Senior High School, the decision to attend the rally was inspired by her older sisters, who had participated and spoke highly of the experience. Rachel’s favorite moments included a water park visit and a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, but the event also surprised her in unexpected ways. “I was expecting a few hundred attendees, but it was actually fewer than a hundred, which made the experience feel much more personal and impactful,” she said.

As someone who describes herself as introverted, Rachel was pleasantly surprised by how much the rally helped her step out of her comfort zone. “I learned that I can be outgoing and meet new people, proving to myself that I can do it.” Post-graduation, Rachel plans to study agribusiness at the University of Idaho and hopes to run a ranch and build a family in the future. Her advice to prospective applicants is simple but powerful: “Even if you don’t get selected, the interview process itself is a valuable learning experience. Don’t hesitate—just apply.”

Rachel’s parents are Norm and Julie Sonnen.

How to Apply for the 2025 Youth Rally

ICL&P is currently seeking applicants for the 2025 Youth Rally. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a child of a current ICL&P member
• Be a high school sophomore or junior (or equivalent) planning to attend college or a technical school after graduation
• Submit a completed application along with a 400-word essay on a topic chosen by ICL&P
• Participate in interviews if required during the selection process

Applications can be found online at ICLP Youth Rally Application, requested via email at iclp@iclp.coop, or obtained by calling 208-983-1610. All submissions must be received by April 14.