REGINA — Access Communications announced today it is partnering with the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) to deliver co-operative youth education while also recognizing one of its own former employees, the late Doug Alexander.
As part of a five-year sponsorship of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program (SCYP), also known as Co-op Camp, Access, which is a co-op too, will sponsor the “Doug Alexander Intermediate Co-op Camp”, beginning next summer.
Co-op Camp is SCA’s summer-long program providing a co-operative and participatory learning experience for young people, co-operative sector staff and volunteers. In a series of four- and five-day overnight seminars, youth ages 12 to 18 meet new people, develop leadership skills, and learn how to get involved in co-operatives and the community, says the Access Communications press release.
Access will sponsor the intermediate level of Co-op Camp, which features sessions on topics such as leadership styles, co‐operative entrepreneurship, and confronting cultural stereotypes. In addition, new sessions on technology and media are being jointly developed with the company, says the release.
“The support we receive from the co-operative sector never ceases to amaze me,” said Tracey Quiring, program officer for the SCA, in the release. “Our camp provides a positive, safe, and inclusive environment and strives to deliver a memorable summer experience. This partnership with Access will ensure that our camp’s magic continues to reach the next generation of co-operative members, employees, and leaders. And we couldn’t think of a more fitting time for this announcement than National Co-op Week!”
“Co-op Camp leads the way in co-operative youth education, and we’re honoured to sponsor this program while also paying tribute to Doug Alexander’s lifelong commitment to the community,” said Fran Moran, communications manager at Access Communications. “Doug believed if everyone did their part, the world would be a better place. Co-op Camp does its part to champion the co-operative movement with young people. We’re excited for the opportunity to help grow SCYP and to bring our expertise on topics like technology and the not-for-profit service co-operatives.”
Alexander, who died in 2019, was a legendary broadcaster in Saskatchewan and community relations manager at Access Communications. Doug was also the board chair for the Access Communications Children’s Fund, a registered charity dedicated to helping children at risk or in need. Doug championed the importance of community improvement, and proudly supported Co-op Camp.
Access hopes to launch the Doug Alexander Intermediate Co-op Camp next July. For more information, please visit sask.coop.
