A heart for service
Nominee: Sue Ballard • Nominator: Owen Ballard
Organization: Camp Fire Heart of Iowa • Website: CampFireIowa.org
Each year, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa highlights outstanding volunteers across the state through their Shine the Light contest. In 2025, Midland Power Cooperative members nominated eight individuals whose service strengthens communities across our service areas. We are proud to recognize each of these nominees with a $625 donation to their respective organizations. We appreciate the partnership of our wholesale power providers — Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative — for helping make this support possible.
Sue Ballard’s dedication to Camp Fire Heart of Iowa is evident in every corner of the organization’s programming. Over the past year alone, she has contributed more than 700 volunteer hours, serving as a constant and reliable presence at camp program sites. From training seasonal staff to preparing meals, cleaning facilities, and stepping in wherever support is needed, her commitment helps ensure each program runs smoothly.
Sue's creativity is especially visible during the summer camp season. Campers earn emblems as they master new skills such as archery, outdoor survival, and rock climbing. Each year, Ballard personally handcrafts hundreds of these emblems, providing campers with a meaningful and lasting reminder of their accomplishments.
Her passion for hands-on learning also extends to the camp’s creative arts center, where she teaches jewelry making, glass beading, ceramics, and candle making. Through these activities, campers are encouraged to express themselves, develop new skills, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.
Funds from this donation will be used to purchase new equipment and supplies for the creative arts center, helping ensure campers continue to benefit from engaging, experiential learning opportunities for years to come.