December 14, 2004

Youth from New Liskeard to Hearst participated in an exciting business experience at Camp Cadanac in Moonbeam this summer.  Two camps, for youth aged 9-13 and teens aged 14-17, were summer camps unlike any other in our region.  Youth Enterprise Camp Entreprise Jeunesse sponsored by 5 North East CFDCs, FedNor, RDEE Ontario and other corporate sponsors, offered an opportunity for all participants to embark on a journey into the world of enterprise.  The camp also included great summer activities, such as water sports, kayaking, swimming, theme nights, campfires and more. 
“We do all the other fun stuff too,” said camper Stephanie Demontigny.  “But it also showed us how to formulate and execute a business plan.”  Budding entrepreneurs learned business skills, such as selecting a business idea, marketing skills, business plan preparation even borrowed money from the loans officer.  Campers also learned how to be team players, creative thinkers, organizational and goal setting skills all aimed at self-discovery. 
Campers showed off their ideas during “Business For A Day” on the circle in Kapuskasing in July, and made a profit that was theirs to keep.  Business ideas included Bandanderama Bandana’s, Customized garden stones, Window art, Message boards, and many more creative ventures.  This was a perfect opportunity for Kapuskasing residents, as well as friends and family of participants, to come out and support our young entrepreneurs of the future. 
The goal of this initiative is to plant the seed of entrepreneurship in our youth, while offering a fun and exciting introduction to the world of business.