Heather Latter
Youths aged nine-13 won’t want to miss the Youth Enterprise Day Camp being held here next week.
Formerly called “BizKids,” the week-long business camp provides youth with an introduction to all aspects of business operations and start-up.
“The overall view of the camp has been really positive,” noted Youth Entrepreneurship Program co-ordinator Cierra Parkhill.
“Everyone that hears about it says, ‘Whoa! This is incredible. I wish there was something like this when I was that age!’”
But Parkhill admitted some parents worry that their child won’t “thrive” in a camp like this.
“I mention over and over how this camp is truly for everyone; a child doesn’t not need to show entrepreneurial characteristics to be a part of this,” she stressed.
“Every child will succeed in this camp.”
Parkhill said this camp doesn’t just bring out entrepreneurial qualities.
“Kids will learn leadership skills, problem-solving, learn how to brainstorm, and maybe a little bit of money management,” she enthused.
Participants will create and promote their own business venture, as well as embrace their entrepreneurial side as they negotiate a loan for purchasing materials to produce and manufacture their product.
Then on the last day of the camp, they host “Business for a Day,” where they get the chance to showcase and sell their product.
Parkhill noted participants do not need to come with a product beforehand.
“The way the program is set, and not just the Youth Enterprise Camp but all the programs, are built to help every child flourish,” she explained.
“There is a broad range of games and activities to help each child reach their full potential.
“Children are creative,” Parkhill added. “The products they come up with to sell are completely remarkable; and all their own.
“We will ‘steer’ kids in the right direction but never tell them they can’t do something,” she stressed.
Parkhill noted there are no “guidelines” or “rules” when it comes to being an entrepreneur.
“They really learn about every aspect of business start up,” she reiterated.
“They learn about networking, profit, expenses, and revenue.”
Parkhill said the Northwest Business Centre run and organized “BizKids” for a number of years. And for the last couple, the Northern Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative has partnered with them and facilitated everything.
The camp has been re-branded this year and Parkhill said there is one key difference between the two.
“It is in the production,” she noted.
“In ‘BizKids,’ kids were sent home to make their product. This year, all the production will be done during the day.
“We don’t want kids and parents up all night finishing the final product,” Parkhill reasoned.
She said they will supply craft supplies and lots of hands-on assistance, but still let the campers run the show.
“We want them going home relaxed and knowing their product is ready to be sold the next day,” Parkhill remarked.
“Our campers learn what it takes to be a part of the real business world all while enjoying the summer heat.”
The camp, slated to run July 21-25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be held at the NCDS building (304 Scott St.)
The cost is $160 per camper (plus HST).
To register, call Parkhill at 1-807-467-4630.
