Youth encouraged to apply for summer entrepreneur camp

Times Contributor

 

Jewelry, board games and garden decorations are just some of the interesting business ideas youth have come up with over the years at the Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp.

Business-minded youth from across the region are encouraged to apply for the 16th annual camp, which takes place from Aug. 19 to 25 at Eagles Nest Ranch in Cypress Hills, Alta.

Space is limited and interested youth aged 13 to 15 have to take part in an essay competition.

Youth attending the camp will team up with other campers and start a small business.

Community Futures staff from runs the camp across southern and central Alberta.

As part of the camp, youth will take part in workshops focused on public speaking, marketing, cash flow and advertising, said Carolyn McIntyre, of Community Futures Wild Rose in Strathmore.

After getting into groups of eight and creating a business plan, campers will meet with actual suppliers and bank staff to get their business idea off the ground.

“They’re actually meeting with professionals,” McIntyre said.

By the end, they’re ready to launch their business for the rest of summer and make some profit with the skills they learned at the camp.

“It’s just a great hands-on experience,” McIntyre said.

The Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp isn’t just about business. Youth also get to take part in fun summer camp activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, riding a zip line and swimming.

For more information, or to apply, contact Community Futures Wild Rose at 403-934-8888 or e-mail McIntyre at reception@cfwildrose.ca. 

The deadline to apply is June 1 and youth chosen for the camp will be notified within a few weeks.

The Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp has a website at www.ayec.ca and also a Facebook page.