Tennessee Electric Co-ops Support Tennessee 4-H

Through hands-on learning opportunities, providing a listening ear and even advocating to lawmakers – Tennessee electric cooperatives are proud to support Tennessee 4-H.

“Supporting 4-H is a natural fit for electric co-ops,” says BJ Bernard, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s (TECA) vice president of member services. “Just like co-ops, 4-H is rooted in education, leadership and community. By investing in these programs, we’re helping young leaders gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while also strengthening the communities we serve.”

It’s Electric Camp

Since 1992, more than 150 sixth and seventh graders from across the state gather at the end of June at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for 4-H Electric Camp. Tennessee electric co-ops, along with Tennessee’s municipal electric utilities, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Tennessee Valley Robotics help put together this fun-filled, rewarding adventure in electricity.

This year, campers explore the theme of “Watt’s Next?” through the world of energy, electricity, energy conservation, electrical safety and other basic sciences. Some of the learning centers this year featured making electric lamps, designing wind turbines and programming robots.

Some of the other learning topics include how to conserve electricity in your home, more on the latest technology in electric vehicles and how to play it safe around high-voltage power lines.

“4-H Electric Camp is one of the most rewarding programs we support because it gives students the chance to roll up their sleeves and experience the electric industry firsthand,” Bernard says. “Through hands-on activities, campers learn how electricity works, how to use it safely and even get a glimpse of the technology that powers our communities. It’s an incredible way to spark curiosity, build confidence and introduce the next generation to careers in an industry that will always be essential.”

Support at the Fair

Electric co-ops are also honored to be a white ribbon sponsor of the annual Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair, set for Aug. 14, 2026. Since the inaugural event, the association has gathered with other sponsors, donors and 4-H members in the Farm Bureau Expo Center to support 4-H camp scholarships and educational conferences.

“We are proud to support 4-H at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair,” says Amber Weaver, TECA’s content creator and writer. “We always look forward to the great meal accompanied by great fellowship. Most importantly, though, it is inspiring year after year listening to members of all ages share their stories and achievements because of the money raised from this event over the years.”

Youth Networking

As a sponsor of the youth organization, TECA also engages with State 4-H Council members when they travel across the state for their 4-H Ambassador Tour. Members visit TECA’s office in Nashville and learn more about what the organization does to serve Tennessee’s electric cooperatives as well as how they invest in youth organizations, like 4-H. TECA also has the opportunity to learn more about the young leaders in 4-H, their backgrounds and their plans for the future.

Aside from events, TECA’s government affairs team spent countless hours advocating for the betterment of 4-H camps with state legislators last year. The Tennessee General Assembly decided to invest $90.5 million to help improve youth leadership and education at those facilities.

“Tennessee’s electric co-ops have always believed in investing in young leaders, and that’s why we were proud to advocate at the state legislature on behalf of 4-H members,” says Justin Maierhofer, TECA’s senior vice president of government affairs. “Securing this funding makes sure future generations will continue to have space to not only have fun, but also to learn and grow.”

Get Connected

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and 3 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated monthly periodical. To learn more, visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org.