JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT’S BIZCAMP 2012 IMPACTS COUNTY’S YOUTH
Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast ran their annual JA BizCamp for 4 weeks at the Rosarian Academy in downtown West Palm Beach from July 9 – August 3. The JA BizCamp Program teaches the values, skills and attitudes students need to compete in the global marketplace. It immerses young people in a community simulation where they play adult roles and experience the economic consequences of the decisions they make as workers, consumers, philanthropists and business professionals. The experience brings the realities of the working world and personal finance to life for students and helps them recognize the importance of education in accomplishing personal and professional goals.
“Approximately 350 at-risk and disadvantaged children from 16 Palm Beach County community based organizations attended JA BizCamp thanks to the generous funding provided by Prime Time, PBC and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Trust Fund”, explained Claudia Kirk Barto, President of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast.
This past week, the campers were visited by two prominent civic leaders, PBSO’s Chief Deputy Michael Gauger and Mayor Jeri Muoio of West Palm Beach . Chief Deputy Gauger stopped by camp to talk to the children about work ethics. While Gauger was there, he swore in the Mayor of JA BizCamp, Dawson Celucien. The week’s Security Officer of JA BizCamp, Deandre Velquez, was given a special PBC Sheriff’s badge to wear while executing his duties during camp.
West Palm Beach’s Mayor Jeri Muoio, also addressed the campers. The children asked her various questions about the duties that are required of her as the Mayor. The highlight of the visit was when Mayor Muoio read an official City of West Palm Beach Proclamation, recognizing the first week of August 2012 as “Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast BizCamp Week” in West Palm Beach . The Proclamation was signed and sealed by the Mayor’s office, and all of the children were thrilled!
Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through classroom experiential education that focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Hendry Counties. Visit www.juniorachievement.com for more information.
