- Read a letter of support from former Secretary of State General Colin Powell!
What is Camp Challenge?
The North Carolina Bankers Association's Camp Challenge, a summer camp experience for high-achieving, low-resource students from across the state, celebrated its 17th year in 2010. Since the program began, more than 8,500 students have benefited from their experience at Camp Challenge. In 2010, 400 students from across the state attended Camp at no cost to their families, thanks to the generosity of North Carolina banks, who donate money for camp scholarships.
Camp Challenge kids learn age-appropriate personal finance skills, including recognizing the difference between wants and needs, how to operate checking and savings accounts and find alternatives to spending. While at Camp, students explore public speaking, entrepreneurship, personal development, citizenship responsibilities, conflict resolution and business concepts. Campers also enjoy traditional summer camp activities such as horseback riding, swimming, and hiking. Camp Challenge is held during the summer months in week-long sessions at the Sertoma 4-H Educational Center in Stokes County near Hanging Rock State Park.
Who Can Attend Camp Challenge?
A one-time recipient of the America's Promise Alliance's Points of Light Award, the camp is open to boys and girls entering the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. All students must complete an application packet to be considered for a Camp Challenge scholarship. Most campers find out about Camp through their local Boys & Girls Club, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters or another community organization with which they are involved. If you are interested in sending a child to Camp Challenge 2011, the application will be available in January 2011.
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. Did you know that 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).
NCBA supports the program and relies on the long-standing support of banks, foundations and friends of the camp for funding. Camp Challenge is a tremendous example of the business community reinvesting in local communities by giving young people a chance to develop useful skills. A tax-deductible donation of $350 sponsors one camper for one week.
If you are interested in sponsoring campers or have questions about the application process, please contact:
Erin Scheithe, Director of Community Outeach
North Carolina Bankers Association
Phone: 919-781-7979 or 800-662-7044
Email: erin@ncbankers.org