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Regina, SK – Access Communications is partnering with the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) to deliver co-operative education in Saskatchewan while also recognizing one of their own. Beginning next summer, Access Communications will be proudly sponsoring the “Doug Alexander Intermediate Co-op Camp”.

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program (SCYP), also known as 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 alike. SCYP is a series of four- and five-day overnight seminars designed for youth ages 12 to 18 to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and learn how to get involved in co-operatives and the community. Access Communications will sponsor the Intermediate level of Co-op Camp, which features sessions on topics like leadership styles, co operative entrepreneurship, and confronting cultural stereotypes. New sessions on technology and media are being jointly developed with Access Communications. 

“The support we receive from the co-operative sector never ceases to amaze me,” said Tracey Quiring, Program Officer for the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. “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.”

Doug Alexander was a legendary broadcaster in Saskatchewan and was 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. Doug passed away in November 2019. 

The five-year sponsorship agreement begins in 2021. SCA hopes to launch the “Doug Alexander Intermediate Co-op Camp” next July. For information, visit www.sask.coop. 

About Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) is the apex organization for the province’s ~850 co-operatives and credit unions. The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program, also known as SCYP or Co-op Camp, is a core program of SCA and has been running since 1928. SCA provides co-operative youth education, co-operative development, technical advice and support, government relations and member services on behalf of the co-operative sector. On behalf of the Saskatchewan co-operative community, SCA works to support and promote the co-operative model for community and economic development.

About Access Communications Co-operative
Access Communications Co-operative is one of Saskatchewan’s largest telecommunications companies, but we do so much more than provide reliable, affordable internet, television, telephone, and security services. What makes Access unique is our involvement in the communities we serve, especially through our AccessNow TV community channels.

Access Communications began serving customers in 1978. Since then, we have grown into a province-wide co-operative serving over 235 communities and 170,000 sq. km of rural areas in Saskatchewan. As a not-for-profit co-operative, we invest 100% of our earnings right back into the communities and rural areas where we live and do business.