Young women in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, will put their skills and determination to the test as they reach new heights at Girl Power Camp, an event first hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives in 2021.

On October 14, 2026, young women from across the region are expected to gather at Nash Community College for the second annual event. The one-day, interactive experience will introduce high school girls to a variety of career opportunities in the energy industry, including linework, substation operations, drone technology, advanced metering and fiber broadband.

Connecting more women with careers in the energy industry has become an industry-wide priority in recent years. One area of particular focus is linework. While more women are taking on roles in the field, attracting women to the hands-on responsibilities, teamwork and unique opportunities of working on a line crew remains a challenge. These operations-focused positions can also provide a pathway to a variety of leadership opportunities within an organization.

Girl Power Camp is designed to give students a firsthand look at these careers through hands-on activities both indoors and outdoors. Experienced instructors and industry professionals will guide campers through activities that demonstrate what it takes to work safely and effectively in the energy industry.

Throughout the day, campers will learn about power line construction and workplace safety, safely climb a utility pole, operate a bucket truck, splice fiber-optic cable, locate underground utility lines and operate a drone. Students will also have opportunities to ask questions and learn directly from industry representatives about career paths, job responsibilities and workplace culture.

By providing an up-close look at the people, skills and technology behind the energy industry, Girl Power Camp aims to inspire the next generation of women to consider careers that power communities—and to show them that there is a place for them in the field.