Kelsey Balcaitis, community education specialist at A+FCU, works with local children teaching financial responsibility, wants vs needs decision-making and basic economics, through games, discussions and hands-on projects at the credit union’s free 4-day camp. (Photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)
by KIM HILSENBECK
Most parents probably didn’t have a financial camp on their list for the kids this summer but perhaps they should next year.
The A+ Federal Credit Union, which has a branch in Buda, holds free financial camps for students entering third through eighth grades.
Kelsey Balcaitis, community education specialist at A+FCU, said the goal of the camp is to get young people familiar with money and the financial world in an exciting and engaging way. The camp includes games, discussions and hands-on projects that incorporate financial responsibility, choices, influences and consequences.
“We want it to be as hands-on and relevant to them as possible. We want them to go home and talk with their family about money and continue learning,” Balcaitis said.
Over the four days of the camp, Hays County children participated in a business proposal challenge, learned about the economy and how it affects families, discussed choices and needs versus wants, and learned about the four things they can do with money – spend, save, donate and invest.
This year’s business proposal challenge had the campers develop a product or service to help kids get excited about saving money. Ideas include an app to find the least expensive products, a chair imbedded with a coin saver, a piggy bank that helps you save for a goal and a computer-related money tracking system, which was chosen the top idea by a panel of judges. Each member of the winning group received a $50 gift card.
On the third day, the kids were playing a game called “The Great Money Race.” The nine campers worked in teams to finish with the most money, racing against the clock. Teams worked together to make decisions to spend more and move quicker or save and move slower, with an eye toward understanding the consequences of those choices.
Janaye Barabin, 11, said the camp has taught her to always plan ahead, while Aldo Ordonez, 11, said he learned to keep his eyes open for opportunities.
Most of the campers said they were saving money for college or other large purchases.
Kayela Watson, 13, had her goals set on one thing.
“I only buy shoes,” Kayela said.
