2026 COLT Lineman Training ExploreAg Registration

2026 COLT Lineman Training ExploreAg Registration

Information

 

Agenda

8:30am - Check-In & Breakfast

9:00am - Welcome & Introductions

9:15am - Station Rotations

Station 1 - Line Tools & Equipment

Station 2 - Dress for Safety

Station 3 - Build a Crossarm

Station 4 - Underground Work

Station 5 - Line Cover

11:45am - Career Opportunities at Electric Cooperatives

12:00pm - Program Adjourns

To access the agenda, click this link. 

 

Overview

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau's signature agriculture literacy and workforce development program offering free week-long and day-long immersion experiences for high school students. In ExploreAg, students learn about agriculture and related STEM fields through hands-on experiences with industry experts, scientists, and educators.

Eligibility

Any Ohio student who will be entering 9-12 grade in the fall or will be graduating high school this spring is eligible to register for ExploreAg.

While past ExploreAg participants are welcome to register again, they must recruit a fellow peer to also register who is new to ExploreAg.  

Registration Content

Before you start your registration, review below what you can gather and prepare ahead of time.

1. Student Information (contact information, t-shirt size, past ExploreAg participation)

2. Parent/Guardian Information (contact information & option to add educator contact information if applicable) 

3. Health Information (current medications, accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, etc.)

4. Approved guardians for student sign-in/sign-out (if a student will be driving themselves to camp, there is a space to share that)

Cost

All ExploreAg programming is offered FREE to students thanks to the generosity of sponsors through the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation who believe strongly in cultivating the next generation of curious and inquisitive agriculturalists. 

Refundable Registration Fee: There will be a $50.00 refundable registration fee for ExploreAg that will be refunded when students check-in for camp this fall. This fee will secure your seat until you arrive at camp. If you cancel or withdraw from camp within 30 days of the start of camp, the registration fee will not be refunded. If the $50.00 registration fee is a financial barrier, there are scholarships available to offset the cost of the fee. Reach out to kshare@ofbf.org if you are interested in applying for a scholarship.

Capacity

ExploreAg sessions are typically each capped at 30 students to ensure accessibility of quality hands-on experiences. However, some programs have limited seating available due to safety requirements.

 

Communication Moving Forward

Parent/guardians are seen as the primary point of contact regarding communication from ExploreAg staff to student campers. However, for added visibility, students will often be included alongside their parent/guardian on all major camp communications. 

Email will be the main form of communication prior to camp. The following will all be communicated via email to the parent/guardian:

• Important camp logistics (arrival/departure details, packing list, etc)

Tip: Parent/guardian, be sure to check your email inbox and spam folder regularly for communication from Ohio Farm Bureau leading up to camp.

An Ohio Farm Bureau staff will follow up with a phone call to a parent/guardian for situations including but not limited to the following:

• Error message received when an email attempt is made
• Clarification is needed regarding a request for special accommodations

Tip: To ensure open lines of communication, be sure to double check that the parent/guardian voicemail box is both set-up and not full. If an Ohio Farm Bureau staff does reach out, it will likely be via a Columbus number that has a (614) area code.  

The ExploreAg Camp at the COLT Lineman Training Facility October 23, 2026 is a one-day commitment from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM on October 23rd. Since spaces are limited and highly competitive, ONLY participants who can make a full commitment to the program may attend. Leaves of absence are granted ONLY for family and/or medical emergencies (i.e. hospitalization, serious illness, or death of immediate family members, or the illness of the participant).

I have coordinated the necessary transportation to safely get to and from camp. I will arrive during designated sign-in times, will not depart until designated sign-out times, and will be fully present for the duration of the camp programming.

Instructions for Medications:
All prescription drugs must be carried in the container in which they were issued (with medical orders and physician’s name intact) and given to the health director. Other prescription drugs will not be accepted. Only bring the amount needed for your stay at camp.

If you need regular over-the-counter medications, they must be in the original container. Like prescription medications, these medications must be given to the health director.

All medications will be given as directed on the original package/container. If there are any dosage adjustments, you must bring signed documentation from your physician.

NOTE: If participant’s allergy may require use of an “EPI-PEN”, then the participant must provide the “Epi-Pen(s)” and discuss possible administration with health care director upon arrival to camp.

Parent/Guardian: Please review the Standards of Behavior section with your participant and have them sign below. This is the only portion of the form that requires a participant signature.

 

As a youth participant in ExploreAg, I agree to:

• Be responsible for my own behavior and accept consequences for inappropriate behavior
• Follow the directions of program staff and leaders
• Demonstrate positive sportsmanship and a positive attitude at all times
• Show respect to others, be courteous and respectful
• Use appropriate language at all times
• Fully participate in scheduled activities
• Give my full attention to presenters and speakers
• Follow all rules, curfews, dress codes, policies, and rules of the facility being used

If I bring a phone or electronic device to ExploreAg, I agree to:

• Use it responsibly
• Keep it put away during presentations so I can focus on the speaker
• Refrain from using it after lights-out, so that I will be well-rested for the next day’s activities

If I choose to engage in social media during ExploreAg, I agree to:

• Do so responsibly and not create or post content that is abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, harassing, or that creates a hostile environment

I understand that the following behaviors are not permitted:

• Improper language, e.g., cussing, profanity
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Possession or consumption of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs
• Possession or use of weapons or harmful objects, e.g. guns, knives, or fireworks
• Destruction of property, or taking property that belongs to others
• Violation of established curfews
• Disrespectful behavior toward others
• Actions or words that bully, ridicule, dominate, belittle, or put down others
• Aggressive physical behavior, e.g., fighting
• Leave campus or designated areas at any time without permission
• Drive or ride in a vehicle unaccompanied by a staff member
• Visit residential areas/hotel rooms of the opposite gender at any time, nor enter halls occupied by other groups
   

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above Standards of Behavior. I understand and agree that I will be asked to call my parents or guardians immediately to pick me up if I violate these Standards of Behavior.

I the parent/guardian of the participant to which this form applies (or youth participant age 18 years or older), permit the participant to participate in the 2026 ExploreAg program. I realize that transportation to and from the program and spending money for personal expenses must be provided by the participants. I understand that the participant must abide by the rules and expectations set forth for the program. I further agree that I have been duly informed that LEAVES OF ABSENCE from these programs are only allowed for SEVERE CASES OF MEDICAL AND/OR FAMILY EMERGENCIES. Medical and family emergencies include major illness, hospitalization, or death of an immediate family member or guardian. Participants are expected to arrive at the site by the opening time indicated and remain at the site through the closing ceremony. Attendance is expected at all sessions. I also understand that failure to participate in the programs, or unwillingness to abide by the rules and expectations, may be just cause for immediate dismissal.

I understand that my participant will be participating in one or more of the ExploreAg Camp sessions held at various locations throughout Ohio. I understand that my participant will be participating in, but not limited to: interactive group discussions, educational tours, team building exercises, and recreational activities. I understand that participantes will be traveling by bus or other motor vehicles with other youth participants and camp staff. Recreational activities may include but are not limited to sports, hikes, canoeing, stream wading, rock wall climbing, and team building games. I understand that many program activities are conducted outdoors and that wearing proper dress (e.g., appropriate length shorts, rain gear, weather dependent clothing) is an essential part of the camp safety rules and procedures.

I understand that my participant is not required to participate in this camp, and the individual activities, but grant my permission for them to do so, despite the potential risks. I recognize that by participating in this camp, as with any physical activity, my youth participant may risk personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or death. In consideration of the opportunity for my participant to participate in this program, I, acting for the participant to which this form applies, myself and our respective heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, agree to assume any and all risks associated with this activity and do hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, ExploreAg, and their respective officers, directors, agents, staff, and volunteers from any liability, damage, and/or claim of any nature resulting from or arising out of my youth participant's participation in this program and its activities.

I have discussed with my participant the Standards of Behavior for Youth Participants. I understand that my participant must follow the Standards of Behavior for Youth Participants, and that violations may result in my participant being sent home from camp.

I understand that my participant and I the parent/guardian will be responsible for replacement payment of any lost dorm keys ($150), if applicable.

In the case of serious illness or injury of my participant, I understand that camp staff will attempt to contact me. If I cannot be contacted, I grant permission to the camp director and staff to secure proper treatment, hospitalize, and/or take any other action deemed necessary for the immediate care of my participant. I give permission to Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, and ExploreAg to record and edit into video and/or photographs the likeness, voice, image and video images of my participant, and to use all or parts of the video or photographs in print or electronic materials to promote any and all public awareness for the program(s) in which my participant is involved.

I have reviewed with my youth participant this complete document and all other materials shared in the orientation packet and have asked for clarification on issues that are unclear.

If pick-up plans change to include someone not listed on this form with permission to sign-out the youth participant to which this form applies, I/we understand that we must call 740-552-1551 (Katie Share, ExploreAg Camp Director) in order to make  other arrangements.

 

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above Permission Form, Photo/Video Release, & Liability Waiver. I clearly identified the individual(s) who have permission to sign the youth participant to which this form applies in and out of ExploreAg Camp.

Upload below a recent headshot of the youth participant. This headshot will not be publicly shared, and will be used for staff identification purposes only. This photo should include the student attendee ONLY with their face clearly visible.

Before uploading the headshot, be sure to save the image as the participant's last name.first name (i.e. Doe.John).

ExploreAg Registration Fee

Refundable Registration Fee: There will be a $50.00 refundable registration fee for ExploreAg that will be refunded when students check-in for camp this fall. This fee will secure your seat until you arrive at camp. If you cancel or withdraw from camp within 30 days of the start of camp, the registration fee will not be refunded. If the $50.00 registration fee is a financial barrier, there are scholarships available to offset the cost of the fee. Reach out to kshare@ofbf.org if you are interested in applying for a scholarship.

 

Below you will be prompted to enter your credit card information to process the $50.00 registration fee. Again, this fee will be refunded when your student checks in for camp.

NOTE: To formally submit this registration you must click "Review Answers" below. Then, scroll all the way to the bottom of your registration review to click "Submit". 

If you only click "Save and Continue Later," your registration will NOT be submitted and you will NOT be considered for any of the camp sessions.