Celebrating 15 years of young entrepreneurs

Times Contributor

 

The Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship camp is celebrating 15 years of entrepreneurial spirit in Southern Alberta. 

The camp, which is sponsored by Community Futures of Wild Rose, is encouraging youth aged 13-15 to apply. 

Each year, four youth are sponsored by Community Futures of Wild Rose from this region to attend the summer camp, which runs from August 21-27. This week long camp is located in Eagles Nest, Cypress Hills.

This is an entrepreneurial-based camp, combining education of business training with a summer camp atmosphere. Campers hear from guest speakers and participate in educational workshops to learn components of a business plan such as: marketing, advertising, cash flows, and record keeping. 

They are then put into business teams where their task is to plan a business idea, meet with potential suppliers and bankers, build the product or service and, come the final day of camp, sell their product. It gives the campers hands-on experience to see what it is really like to run a business.

“I believe this camp goes beyond academic skills though” says Jennifer Brooks of Community Futures Wild Rose.

Learning the basics of business is the main focus of the camp. However, it is not the only activity that takes place. The youth get to participate in many summer camp activities such as zip lining, horseback riding, wall climbing, mountain biking and swimming. 

Over 800 young entrepreneurs have gone on to start their own businesses after attending this summer camp. About 60 youth per year attend. 

“The kids also learn many life skills, such as leadership, and they make lifelong friendships” says Brooks. 

Community Futures Wild Rose is accepting applications until June 30, 2011. For more information about the Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, go online to www.awec.ca or contact Jennifer Brooks at (403) 934-8888.