From cement mushrooms and rhubarb leaves to upcycled book pages and cutlery, poured candles to dog toys, and modelling clay creatures to origami bookmarks, the 13 youth participating in Community Future Triple R’s Biz Camp had their brains buzzing last week as they learned and navigated their entrepreneurial spirit.
The weeklong day camp focused on business and entrepreneurial skills for youth aged nine to 13. Following a curriculum focused on product development, financials, and marketing, the youth toured several local stores, including Morris Bigway and Home Hardware, lending a hands on approach to business and innovation.
“We always get fantastic feedback from the businesses we visit and community members we pass on the street,” shared Shelley Johnston, camp facilitator and general manager at Morris Triple R. “The campers learn what an entrepreneur is, the ups and downs of owning your own business. We cover revenue, expenses, and profit of a business, and also about first impressions and customer service.”
The learning didn’t stop in the classroom. A scavenger hunt led the camp youth around town, with most of the businesses handing out clues to help them on their adventure.
“We also took advantage of the pool to cool off,” Johnston noted.
By the end of the week, the young entrepreneurs put learned tactics to work: enticing the customer, interacting with potential clients, and ensuring a sale at the Biz Camp Craft Market in conjunction with a free hotdog lunch courtesy of Bigway.
“It’s good to support and encourage kids to pursue an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Kieran, a local resident and shopper who stopped at the market and purchased a product from each budding entrepreneur.
The Town of Morris Recreation Department helped deliver the program for the first time (“A new partnership, which has worked out very well,” they said) alongside camp student facilitator Leah Klaassen, 16, whose father owns his own business.
Klaassen finds value in the program she herself participated in a few years ago.
“The participants learn the qualities and benefits of a business owner,” she said. “The program also makes it possible for young people to learn about money.”
“We learned about…patience,” shared one participant during the market. Another enjoyed “spending time making the product, and the free time. We didn’t need to work in a book the entire time.”
A similar camp is being offered in Altona at the Rhineland Pioneer Center July 21-25, with Market Day taking place at the Altona Mall on the July 25. To register your child, head to altona.ca.
