McLennan County’s Cooperative Extension Program and NeighborWork Waco’s Project Aspire teamed up for their annual financial literacy summer camp. This year 20 campers aged 8- 15 were exposed to technical career paths, the financial cost of being unhealthy, predatory lending practices and gardening, all while creating their business plan for the end of the week Shark Tank competition.

Youth getting educated about laser technologyThe weeklong day camp was located on Texas State Technical College’s campus where campers were able to tour many of the colleges’ facilities and learn about aviation, engineering, and technology. The campers also visited a local garden where they were able to pick their own vegetables to take home. At the bank campers viewed secret vaults and saw $1 million dollars.

Speakers from Citizens for Responsible Lending visited the camp to discuss the impact payday and auto title loans have on individuals and communities, while the camp’s hosts provide presentations on creating a business plan and the importance of being healthy.

Between the tours, field trips and speakers the campers divided into 5 groups of 4 members to create their business plan. This year’s business plans consisted of a glitter spray line, a musical restaurant, a car wash, a create-your-own-pizza restaurant for kids and food pantry food truck. Teams presented their business plan on Friday to the judges- two host agencies and two community volunteers. Although the judges decided not to crown a winner, each camper received $50 for their participation and hard work.