This summer, middle school students from across Metro Denver developed an understanding of basic business principles and the professional world through JA Youth Trailblazers Camp. A weeklong program, the camp taught students how to think like an entrepreneur, understand the world of work, and make wise financial decisions to achieve the future they want.
Throughout the week, participants experienced two of JA’s premier experiential learning programs: Robert & Judi Newman JA Finance Park, presented by Transamerica, and the Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator. They also explored JA Business Quest, a new program designed specifically for middle schoolers, where they were tasked with starting a new business and making decisions based on community events, market structures, and the global economy. Interactive games, like financial-themed Jeopardy, helped reinforce the concepts students were learning.
“My son had an excellent experience with this,” said a parent of one of the participants. “Not only did he have fun, but he also had impressive growth and displayed new knowledge. After the camp was done, he immediately asked if he could go back!”
To inspire creativity and collaboration, students additionally participated in JA Start It Up, where they formed teams and created a new flavor of Oogie’s popcorn, which was then pitched to a panel of judges on Friday. Afterwards, they got to network with community volunteers during a career fair-style activity, where they asked questions about their career path while filling out bingo sheets based on their conversations.
“My student truly enjoyed this camp, but especially enjoyed the last day being able to meet with business professionals from the community,” said another parent. “He was happy coming home every day.”
Campers left the week feeling more confident in their understanding of money, finding a career that aligns with their strengths and interests, and their ability to present in front of a group. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nelnet, and Encore Bank for funding student scholarships.
