BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash.– A first-of-its-kind program in credit unions for youth ages 12-18 that was designed to “educate and inspire” the next generation of cooperative leaders has now concluded, with organizers saying it “truly exceeded our expectations.”
As the CU Daily first reported here and then here, a varied group of leaders from within the credit union community, many of whom are graduates of the National CU Foundation’s Development Education (DE) program, came together to back the new “Youth Immersion Program.”
The week-long camp took place at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island in Washington, with 16 youth in attendance. In all, some 38 youth had expressed interest, but scheduling with school-related functions and other activities created conflicts, according to organizers.
‘Incredible Environment’
“While our final group was smaller than originally anticipated, it created an incredible environment for the participants to really get to know one another and build meaningful relationships,” said Mary Beth Spuck, CEO of Resource One Credit Union in Texas, who was among the organizers “Over four days, the youth explored leadership, cooperation, sustainability, financial inclusion, global awareness, and the difference they can make in their own communities. The program was designed to be active, reflective, and hands-on, with opportunities to learn through nature, problem-solving, conversation, teamwork, and reflection.”
Spuck said that thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Cooperative Development Foundation, organizers were able to provide scholarships to every family that requested assistance, several of whom would not have been able to attend without that support.
The Goal
According to organizers, the goal of the program was simple: to help participants see themselves as capable leaders who understand cooperation, practice service and believe they can make a meaningful difference in their communities.
During the camp the youth participated in numerous activities that organizers were said were aimed at helping them make the “connection to action.” The program began with an orientation around credit unions and cooperatives, as well as a “build-a-community” simulation.
Positive Feedback
After the camp, one parent told organizers, “They had such a lovely time. Since returning, we have noticed a remarkable difference—more thoughtful and more contemplative. We’ve talked at length about what transpired during those few days. Whatever it was, it was fantastic!”
One of the youth participants said, “I had an amazing time at camp. I learned so much, and it was truly an incredible opportunity. The camp made a real impact on me, and I would love the chance to help make sure others can have the same experience.”
Spuck said the comments capture exactly what organizers had hoped for, which was to have participants to leave with more than memories, including thinking differently about themselves, their communities, and the role they can play in creating positive change.
“This inaugural year taught us a great deal, and we are already thinking about how to make the program even stronger in the future,” Spuck said. “Many of the participants are also excited about the possibility of continuing the experience through our planned Kenya immersion in 2027.”
The Organizers
Other organizers of the Youth Immersion Program included Lois Kitsch, the former national program director with the NCUF who is now active with the African Cooperative Development Foundation; Brandi Stankovic, principal with Strategic Advisory Solutions; Katy Zaleski, VP of human resources with Simplicity Credit Union; Jenefer Machovina, director-international with TruStage; Debbie Wege, cooperative community advocate with BECU; Matt Vance, marketing and product development manager at Salal Credit Union; Danielle Brown, chief engagement office with the NCUF; Lindsay Spuck, and Jill Nowacki, president and CEO of Humanidei.
