Break into Business camp for students 8-14 scheduled March 13 and 14

“It’s going to be really fun. The kids had an absolute blast last year,” she said.

During the two-day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. business camp this week at the Lovett Plaza Boardroom lower level, students will be encouraged to think of an idea, develop it, and market it.

Nickerson visits the dollar store a few days prior to the camp and takes lots of pictures of items that can be used as material by the students.

On the first day each student tells her what they want to develop and visits an appointed ‘loans officer’ on site to borrow $10 seed money for the project.

Ideas have ranged from painted flowerpots, tie-dyed socks, painted wooden jewelry boxes, and baskets made from popsicle sticks.

“We have to get them to think how much time it’s going to take to make these products, the cost of the supplies and how much they can charge for the finished product. It teaches them how to run a real business,” said Nickerson.

Once the products are finished, posters are made to advertise them and distributed to stores in the area. The next day is spent at the mall where the students sell their products.

“It’s gets them to communicate with the public and talking, just like a real business owner about their products,” said Nickerson.

Last year one student made a profit of $25 on his popsicle stick frames.

Once the products are sold the students return to pay the loan officer what they borrowed and then they get to keep any profits.

Afterwards a big pizza party is held and the students discuss the experience.

A limit of 25 is set for the camp and pre-registration is required. The cost is $10. For more information call 902-742-5364.