Adams Electric, Ameren, and University of Illinois Extension joined forces again this year to teach local students about electricity, electrical safety, and energy efficiency.
On Wednesday, June 19, heavy rains didn’t hinder the event which is usually held in Bailey Park. Instead, sixty-five students met at the Community Building in Camp Point. Students, ages 8-18 participated in a trivia game, a Power Town safety demonstration, and five workshops based on experience levels.
Beginners learned the basics of electricity and were able to make an extension cord to take home. Second year students used a soda can to make their own lamp. Third year students, in the circuits and switches class, were taught the basics of house wiring. Fourth year students toured the Randy D. Rigg Memorial Wind Turbine and rode in an electric car. Real outages were taking place during the event, so the final class saw how the Cooperative uses its mapping system to locate members and restore power.
Instructors were: Brian Anderson, Laura Bergman, Joyce Bockhold, Tim Brecht, Kevin Knight, Brad Koenig, Peggy Koetters, Alex Mossman, Deb Rhea, and Bill Stalder of Adams Electric Cooperative; Betsy Bauer, Shelby Crow, Kelly McCleary, Becky Shaffer, Jennifer Shelts, and Sharon Tenhouse of University of Illinois Extension and 4-H leaders; Chris Brassfield, Sherri Fuller, and Carl Fisher of Ameren CIPS; and Haley Dotson, former participant.