November 10, 2007
The Youth Enterprise Camp Entreprise Jeunesse is an opportunity for participants from various areas throughout rural and northern Ontario to get an introduction to entrepreneurship. Along with getting a chance to learn about all aspects of business operation and start-up, the participants also are offered recreational activities to partake in during their week. The camp provides youth with a fun and interesting learning environment to make camp not just exciting but also a great learning opportunity.
“It allows youth to have an enjoyable summer camp experience, meet new, like-minded people, and explore entrepreneurship,” said Cindy Reasbeck, Program Coordinator for Youth Enterprise Camp Enterprise Jeunesse.
Youth Enterprise Camp Enterprise Jeunesse was developed and first initiated in 2002, since then more than 100 youth have had the opportunity to take part. The camp takes place at Camp Cadanac in Moonbeam, Ontario, and is for youth aged 9-13 and teens aged 14-17.
Not only do campers have a great time participating in summer activities like water sports, theme nights and campfires, campers also leave with many great skills that they can apply throughout their lives long after camp is over. Participants learned business tools like selecting a business idea, marketing skills, and business plan preparation. Along with business skills, campers also learned how to be team players and use creative thinking.
“We do all the other fun stuff, too” said camper Stephanie Demontigny. “But it also showed us how to formulate a business plan.”
Campers were given the opportunity to formulate a business plan through the use of their Business for a Day activity. The activity included promoting their businesses, negotiating a loan agreement with a simulated bank, running the business, and a debriefing session, where debts were paid to the loan officer and the success of the business was evaluated both financially and personally. By creating a Business for a Day, participants had the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship by doing entrepreneurship.
The skills that the campers gain at the Youth Enterprise Camp Entreprise Jeunesse can be used to create their own employment. After leaving the camp, the participants have the tools they need to be able to create their own summer employment for years to come. The camp is a great way to promote entrepreneurship and get young people involved and understanding entrepreneurship at an early age.
“We want to spark interest in entrepreneurship, and no better way than allowing youth to experience the thrill of self-employment first hand,” said Reasbeck.
By teaching selected participants about entrepreneurship and giving them the skills and tools required to apply their knowledge, Youth Enterprise Camp Entreprise Jeunesse gives campers the chance to become entrepreneurs. The camp is a great opportunity for youth and provides them with a fun learning entrepreneurial experience.