A summer camp in southern Alberta is helping teens take their first steps into the world of business.
The Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (RAYEC) is a free week-long experience that combines hands-on business education with classic summer camp fun.
Laura McDonald, team lead with Community Futures Centre West says campers will build business plans, receive mentorship from real bankers, and learn finance, marketing and leadership—all while ziplining, wall climbing, and playing paintball.
"It's the full immersive camp experience with a mix of business and rec time."
“It’s a chance to learn real-world skills in a fun and engaging environment,” she says.
No prior business experience is needed and the application is simple and designed to be approachable.
“You don’t need to walk in with a vision,” she says.
“If you’ve ever thought about starting something, this is a great place to start.”
Camp leaders include local business professionals and past participants, offering relatable guidance to new campers.
“If you attend, you can come back in future years as a mentor, the camp is all about building a community.”
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McDonald says there’s a growing movement of teen entrepreneurs in communities like Cochrane, where supports such as microloans and mentorship are readily available.
“We offer up to $3,000 in loans for youth startups,” she says. “Whether it’s a lemonade stand or a handmade craft business, we’re here to help.”
Thanks to support from Rotary and other partners, the camp is entirely free for participants.
“All the partners have paid for the kids,” she says. “We just want to see as many apply as possible.”
Spots are still available for the overnight camp that runs August 10 to 16 at Eagle’s Nest Ranch in the Cypress Hills and the application deadline is May 15.
“Don’t miss it,” McDonald says. “It could be the start of something big.”