June 02, 2009

Registration deadline nears for Camp CEO

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Less than two weeks is the time remaining to register for Camp CEO, the hands-on Southern Illinois University Carbondale entrepreneurship camp for high school students.

The popular camp is open to students entering grades 9-12 this fall and registration ends June 15, or sooner if the camp is full. The camp runs July 5-10 on the SIUC campus.

Camp CEO gives teens the chance to experience for themselves the challenges and rewards of creating and operating their very own business. They will design their own business plans and marketing concepts and test them. Participants will tour local businesses and glean information from the owners. They also will learn proper business etiquette and participate in a variety of hands-on learning activities. There are daily recreational opportunities, too.

The cost is $495 and includes lodging, meals, snacks, equipment, camp materials, instruction and transportation during the camp. A $45 deposit is payable at the time of registration with the remainder of the cost due by June 15. Registration is first come, first served and space is limited, so sign up early. Limited scholarship funds are available.

This is the sixth annual camp sponsored by the Office of Economic and Regional Development, Entrepreneurship and Business Development Office, Entrepreneurship Center and the Division of Continuing Education. The award-winning camp wraps up with the presentation of individual marketing plans by camp participants to an audience of parents and peers. The winners earn awards.

The week also includes guest speakers, networking, negotiation, customer service, leadership training, problem solving, games and competitions.

To register, or for more information, contact Ivan Sanchez, camp coordinator, at 618/453-3805 or e-mail info@campceo.biz. Camp CEO details are also online at www.campceo.biz.