For the third summer in a row, the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, a Denver-based pioneering nonprofit, will lead its award-winning, week-long Young Ameritowne on the Road Summer Camp, for students entering third through sixth grade, at Sunset Middle School. The traveling camp is a recent innovation, bringing the camp, which covers financial literacy, local government and workplace readiness, from the Denver center to offsite locations. Students will attend one of two tracks, Junior Money Matters for incoming third and fourth graders, June 18-22, and Young Ameritowne Camp for incoming fifth and sixth graders, June 25-29.
“Last year’s camp went wonderfully,” Susan Zimmerman, district coordinator for Community Schools, said. “Feedback from parents and students was amazing! Students learned a lot and had a blast. Every day they were sharing what they had learned with their families.” Up to 50 students will be admitted to each track by application this year. “It’s possible that it could be over-enrolled this year. Even with 50 spots, it absolutely could still fill up,” Zimmerman said. Applications, which are due April 10, can be obtained from school principals and front offices. Young applicants will need to explain why they want to attend, what they like about working in a group, and share something about themselves more generally. Of particular importance is how students plan to apply what they learn. For instance, a number of students from last year’s camp opened their own savings accounts, Zimmerman said. This year’s tuition is $50 and it covers the cost of one camp. Families who need assistance with the fee should contact Susan Zimmerman. Junior Money Matters covers basic banking and financial skills such as savings goals and spending plans. The older kids will go more in-depth with economics, such as supply and demand, will manage their own checking accounts, work to make a business successful, and handle money. All students will learn what it takes to have a job, and how to run a town government.The camps culminate in a day-long role-play complete with props and scenery. Some students will run for office and serve in town government – if elected, while others will work as managers and employees of various businesses.