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Camp Enterprise, a business camp for high school students, kicked off Nov. 2 and concluded Nov. 4. This was the 38th annual Camp Enterprise. According to initial feedback from students, it was very successful.
Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs in Districts 5950 and 5960, which covers the entire Twin Cities area, Camp Enterprise is an extensive three-day camp offering students the opportunity to participate in leadership activities focusing on the free enterprise system.
Ninety-five students from throughout the southern half of Minnesota and western region of Wisconsin attended this three-day business camp held at the YMCA’s Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, Minnesota. Over 80 volunteers from various Rotary clubs throughout the state worked together to coordinate Camp Enterprise, led by the Rotary Club of Edina and Edina Morningside Rotary Club.
High school students worked together in teams of six or seven preparing business plans that were presented on Saturday morning, Nov. 4, to venture capitalists. In “Shark Tank” fashion, the venture capitalists (sharks) decided which teams would be provided funding. The case studies (businesses) included businesses such as a back-pack company, tire treatment business and electric bike rental firm, to name just a few.
The camp included activities such as "Family Feud," a dance, excellent speakers and the opportunity to meet new friends.
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Camp Enterprise had over 4,000 views with the Snapchat filter that was created for the event. An app called Remind was used to communicate prior to and during the camp with the students. Camp E even had a Rotary Club from Scotland follow on Facebook and posted how much they enjoyed following the three-day camp.
Five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students based on an essay, input from their mentors and counselors and the overall team results.
Camp Enterprise lived up to its reputation once again in providing a free enterprise experience for high school students that was both educational and entertaining.
The attendees are divided into teams of six to eight people and are provided a case study (or business). In “Shark Tank” fashion, the teams must develop a business and marketing plan to present to the venture capitalists (Sharks) on the last day of camp to secure financing for their business.
The weekend includes mentoring from Rotary volunteers with business experience, evening activities and excellent speakers. Speakers include, but are not limited to, Isabel and Caroline Bercaw, teenage owners of Da Bomb Bath Fizzers (their product is in 7,000 stores); Randy Stenger, owner of Extreme Sandbox and past “Shark Tank” participant; and Ping Yeh, Minnesota Cup grand prize winner and CEO of StemoniXinc., which is in the Life Science Industry.
There is no charge for high school students to attend, as the cost of covered by area Rotary clubs. However, students must apply online at www.campenterprise.org and be accepted. The camp has sold out annually since 2015.
For more information, visit www.campenterprise.org or contact planning committee chair Sam Thompson of the Rotary Club of Edina at sthompson@transitionsib.com or 612-282-1750.
