Idaho County Light & Power Empowers Youth Through Leadership Camp Opportunity

Story by: Dana Greig

Photo by: Sarah Hagen

For over 30 years, Idaho County Light and Power (ICL&P) has supported local youth through a $750 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Idaho Consumer-owned Utilities Association’s (ICUA) Youth Rally. Held July 6–10, 2026, at Northwest Nazarene University, the rally brings together students from across the region to build leadership skills through workshops on civics, renewable energy, electricity, and the utility industry. The event also includes team building, a talent show, obstacle courses, and a dance—blending education with fun.

Last year, Idaho County was represented at the rally by four delegates: Audrey Brown, Erica Schlader, Katelyn Riener and Kaden Schaff.

Audrey Brown: “I still talk to some of the friends I made while I was there.”

Kooskia’s Audrey Brown is a 16-year-old sophomore at Kamiah High School where she also takes course from LCSC, CSI and CWI.

“I wanted to apply because I believed I could do it,” explained Audrey. “I love writing and when I saw the first initial task was to write an essay, I figured I would do it as it wasn't a chore for me.”

Once selected for the interview though, Audrey admits her confidence was not as strong heading into the next stage of the process.

“When they told me I got the scholarship,” grinned Audrey, “I have never been prouder of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Her favorite part of the conference was pushing herself socially to meet people and enjoy it. In that respect, she learned surprising lessons about herself that will follow her through life.

After high school, Audrey plans to attend U of I for a bachelor’s in science of biology and eventually become a cardio-thoracic surgeon.

“Go with an open mind,” said Audrey to future delegates. “Really push yourself to learn about new people.”

Audrey’s parents are Dana and Crystal Brown

Erica Schlader: “Just go for it”

Cottonwood’s Erica Schlader is a 16-year-old junior at Prairie High School.

Attempting to branch out to meet new people was the driving cause of Erica’s applying to attend Youth Rally, and just so happened to be the thing she liked most about the conference.

“The thing that surprised me most about the conference was how many people were there and all of the states they were from,” explained Erica. “I learned that I am someone who likes to make new friends and try new things.”

After high school Erica plans to attend LCSC and go into nursing school in hopes of moving back to Cottonwood to work and have a family.

“My advice would be to just go for it,” smiled Erica. “It was a very fun experience, and I met so many fun people!”

Erica’s parents are Scot and Shelley Schlader.

Katelyn Riener: “It gives you an experience to never forget.”

Greencreek’s Katelyn Riener is a 17-year-old senior at Prairie High School.

After her sister attended the conference in the past, Katelyn said she wanted to apply to go because of all the fun her sister had.

“The one thing I enjoyed the most about the conference was being able to meet new people from different states,” said Katelyn.

And yet, despite how different they all may have seemed, Katelyn said she was able to make many new friends easily within the first two days. learned she’s not as shy as she thought she was.

“I am not as shy as I thought I was,” smirked Katelyn.

After high school she plans to attend LCSC to study nursing, with plans to eventually become an ICU nurse and then attend graduate school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

“Be honest and genuine in your application,” is Katelyn’s advice to applicants. “I want those considering applying and for those who are on the edge of applying to know that this scholarship is a great option because it not only gives you some financial stability, but it also gives you an experience to never forget.”

Katelyn’s parents are Wes and Jennifer Riener.

Kaden Schaff: “Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Kamiah’s Kaden Schaff is a 17-year-old senior at Nezperce High School.

“I wanted to experience a new atmosphere of people and make friendships that I wouldn’t usually put myself out there to make,” said Kaden of why he applied.

Once at the rally, Kaden said he enjoyed being around the directors, youth who had gone in previous years and helped the rally run smoothly.

“They made it really easy to get comfortable and become more apt to learn,” said Kaden. “Learning about power and the work lineman do caught my attention most. I didn’t realize how dangerous being a lineman is and the amount of power flowing through power lines everyday.”

After high school, Kaden plans to go to college and complete dental school in hopes of returning to Kamiah to begin dentistry practice.

“Don't be afraid to put yourself out there,” advised Kaden to those who attend this year. “Everyone is really nice and understanding so don't feel nervous about talking to people and be yourself.”

Kaden’s parents are Brad and Stephanie Schaff.

How to Apply for the 2026 Youth Rally

ICL&P is currently seeking applicants for the 2026 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 16.