Shaping the Future of Energy

By McKayla Kiernan, Communications Specialist

Choptank Electric Cooperative hosted the second annual Girl Power™ Camp on Oct. 2, 2025, at our Regional Service Center in Salisbury, Md.

This year’s event welcomed approximately 53 students and 60 volunteers and chaperones from three cooperatives — Choptank Electric Cooperative, Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) and A&N Electric Cooperative. The camp highlighted the critical role women play in shaping the future of energy.

From climbing utility poles to using power tools, participants had the opportunity to step into the shoes of energy professionals for the day. Students rotated through hands-on stations featuring drilling, pole climbing, drone demonstrations, wire cutting and even a truck driving simulator. In addition, workshops on interview skills and career planning provided valuable tools for life after graduation.

Madeline Hines, Choptank member, past Girl Power participant and speaker at this year’s event, shared: “Girl Power opened my eyes to career opportunities I never knew existed. It gave me the confidence to pursue linework and truly changed my life.” 

By engaging directly with students and offering hands-on experiences, Choptank and its sister co-ops aim to build a strong pipeline of future energy leaders. The Girl Power Camp is part of the Cooperative’s ongoing mission to invest in education and community outreach.

For more details about Girl Power Camp, visit: www.vmdaec.com/girl-power-camp.