Camp Challenge Information

February 11, 2009

By: Erin Scheithe

NCBA’s Camp Challenge . . . focused on and committed to the personal, professional and financial success of North Carolina’s next generation.

Contact: Erin Scheithe, Financial Education Director
North Carolina Bankers Association
Phone: 919-781-7979 or 800-662-7044
Email: erin@ncbankers.org

What is Camp Challenge?
This summer will mark the North Carolina Bankers Association's 16th year supporting Camp Challenge, a summer camp experience for high-achieving, low-resource students from across the state.

The camp is open to boys and girls entering the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The children are chosen from Boys& Girls Clubs, local YMCA chapters and other organizations. Located just north of Winston-Salem at the Sertoma 4-H Educational Center in Stokes County, Camp Challenge is held during the summer months in week-long sessions.

Why Support Camp Challenge?
Financial literacy is the keystone of Camp Challenge. Lack of financial education is a growing problem facing youth across the country. North Carolina high school students scored lower than the national average on the Jump$tart Coalition’s biannual financial literacy survey. Less than 5 percent of students surveyed scored a “C” or better and just 25 percent received a passing grade (60 percent or higher).

Camp Challenge kids learn basic personal finance skills, including how to recognize the difference between wants and needs, operate checking and savings accounts and budget. Campers also explore creative writing, computer skills, public speaking, entrepreneurship, personal development, citizenship responsibilities, conflict resolution and business concepts. Campers also enjoy horseback riding, swimming, hiking, and learning from counselors who come from countries around the world.

Partners
NCBA’s Camp Challenge is proud to have a long list of diverse partner organizations, including the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and non-profit organizations, banks and businesses located across the country and state. Partners support Camp Challenge in various ways, by participating in our annual Workday, placing stories about the Camp in their magazines and newsletters, and sending mentors to the Camp to speak about personal finance and leadership.

Sponsors
NCBA supports the program and relies on the long-standing support of banks, foundations and friends of the camp for funding. The majority of campers attend on scholarship.

Camp Challenge is a tremendous example of businesses reinvesting in their local communities by giving young people a chance to develop life skills. A tax-deductible contribution of $350 sponsors one camper for a week.

If you are interested in supporting Camp Challenge financially or becoming a partner, please contact Erin Scheithe.

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