"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

On May 23rd our Rotary Club had a presentation by 3 of the 4 Camp Enterprise students from Bishop MacDonell High School that we sponsored for the 2013 event. 

Started in Canada in 1976, by the Youth Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Toronto. Camp Enterprise is a 31/2 day program for high school students.  The program consists of a series of panels, presentations and discussions on the subjects of business and the free enterprise system where students can interact with business professionals.

Since 2005 (9 years) our Rotary Club has sponsored students to attend the Golden Triangle Clubs Camp Enterprise (14 Rotary Clubs from Cambridge, Fergus, Guelph and Kitchener/Waterloo) and this year we sponsored 4 students:  Tyler Lipke, Jackson Jacobi, Sarah Schlotzhauer and Alicia Black.  We are indebted to Les Schmidt, past Guidance Counselor at Bishop Mac and their business club advisor, for his assistance over the years in selecting the future leaders from that school to attend Camp Enterprise.  Les refers to these Grade 11 students as the "best of the best".

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      (L-R:  Bishop Mac students Tyler Lipke, Sarah Schlotzhauer, Alicia Black along with Rotarians Frank Oudesluys & Karen Dowell)

Les introduced the students who all expressed their feeling that the event was FANTASTIC, they loved it and appreciated the opportunity to attend.  The 4th student we sponsored, Jackson Jacobi, unfortunately was unable to attend.

Tyler and Alicia found the negotiating skills workshops and role-playing to be the most valuable (eg. labour vs management).  Sarah's favourite was the famous "Dragon's Den" where they grouped to develop business plans, in their case an eco-friendly cab company using electric cars. 

Alicia expressed that it opened her eyes to both business and Rotary Clubs, and what we do.  They found that you had to quickly get to know the other student participants as you were put in groups for interactive projects.  Tyler expressed that what he got out of it was that you have to fight for what you really want, not low-ball.  Alicia echoed that - you need to stand your ground for something that is important to you.  Sarah appreciated the opportunity to learn about different aspects of business, in particular e-commerce.

The 3 students proceeded to answer questions from the Rotarians in attendance.  Tyler and Sarah are both hoping to attend Wilfred Laurier University because of its business-oriented programs - Alicia is still considering her future plans.

We enjoyed hearing from the students, and from Les Schmidt (although he really needs to work on his shyness, and putting more energy and enthusiasm into his presentations - NOT!) and wish them well in their continuing educational endeavours.