The participants in this week's Triple R Biz Camp, hosted by Community Futures Triple R, have spent the week learning what it means to be an entrepreneur. The program is geared to kids 9 to 13 years of age, with the goal of developing a business idea and ultimately creating a product to sell at the Biz Camp Market happening today (July 25th) at Altona Mall.
General Manager Shelley Johnston noted Altona Town Councillor Donna Rosling-Wolters, who is also a Community Future Triple R board member, encouraged the agency to host the Biz Camp in Altona this year. This week the campers have learned a variety of things including the importance of first impressions, body language, selling skills and attitude. They are taught the basics of cash flow and learn about revenue and expense items. Business plans are the final concept taught, leading into the Biz Camp Market at the end of the week.
Building on skills and talents
"Most summers I do an iced tea stand where I make iced tea and cookies, and lately I've been making bracelets," shared Zoe, one of the campers. "My mom told me about this camp, and she was like, you can sell your bracelets there and make some other projects. I really like making watercolour cards, so I'm making that too. The reason I wanted to do watercolour cards was because my mom often asks me if I can make her watercolour cards for her friends. If she doesn't have time to get a card for her friends, I just watercolour paint it and then she writes stuff inside."
The bracelets and watercolour greeting cards are what she will have on offer at her stand at the Biz Camp Market.
"I've learned how to talk to people, and how to convince them that they want to buy what you have," she shared, while mentioning what she's most excited for. "Probably the sale. I just like giving my things to people."
Unique insight into experience
Community Futures Triple R summer student, and past camper, Leah Klassen has been working with the young entrepreneurs this week.
"It's really nice to see the progress," she explained. "I did the camp when I was younger, so that's kind of why I started and had interest working with Shelley, because I really enjoyed my experience. I'm really excited to see how it all turns out on Friday."
And what does Klassen hope the campers will get out of the week, especially coming from the perspective of having been one herself.
"I think it's really important that you start learning about business and those kind of opportunities at a young age, like all the revenue, profit and expenses and all those types of subjects they're learning," she said. "I'm really excited for for them to know that going forward, and have this experience, and continue to sell stuff and make money at a young age."
As long as the weather cooperates, the Biz Camp Market will be held outside the Altona Mall from 10am to 2pm, with a free hot dog lunch sponsored by Altona IGA starting at 11am. If there's rain, you'll find the campers and market inside the Mall.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Camper Zoe and Summer Student Leah Klassen, below.