Camp HYPE 2025: A Week of Career Exploration and Community Connections!

Last week, we wrapped up another incredible session of Camp HYPE — and what a week it was! We had 15 outstanding high school students from across Sumner County join us for four days packed with hands-on experiences, career exploration, and skill-building workshops.

Each day from 9 to 4, we gathered at the Cowley College Sumner Campus — a truly top-notch facility that we’re fortunate to have right here in Sumner County. A heartfelt thank you to the staff there for making us feel so welcome and ensuring our students had everything they needed to succeed.

During class sessions, students participated in career exploration activities to help them better understand their interests and strengths. We also focused on soft skills workshops, working on interpersonal communication, teamwork, and problem-solving — skills that are valuable no matter where their paths may lead.

We had the opportunity to tour some incredible businesses and organizations this week:

• Monday: A behind-the-scenes tour of AAR, an impressive facility stretching over 10 acres with a wide range of career opportunities in aviation maintenance and support.

• Tuesday: Students enjoyed a hands-on career demonstration presented by our Premiere Sponsor, Kanokla — thank you for giving our students such a memorable experience!

• Wednesday: A visit to the brand-new Paramedic Training Facility located on the lower level of Cowley Sumner Campus, including a “Stop the Bleed” demonstration where students learned life-saving techniques. The day continued with tours at the Wellington Police Department and Wellington Fire Department, where students gained valuable insight into local public safety careers.

• Thursday: We wrapped up our tours at Elite Harness, where students saw firsthand how a top-of-the-line, streamlined manufacturing operation works inside their brand-new facility.

This camp wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. A huge thank you to:

• Premiere Sponsor: Kanokla

• Pinnacle

• Sumner County Farm Bureau

Your investment in Sumner County’s youth makes a lasting impact, and we’re grateful for your partnership.

Also a big thank you to Futures Unlimted's WALT Bus driver Leslie Rice for your patience and care as you provided transportation for the week.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this year’s Camp HYPE a success — from the business leaders and instructors to the parents and, most importantly, our students. We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you!