June 17, 2009
Camp CEO Crash Course has new format, lower cost
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A nationally recognized camp returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale this summer in an all-new format that is open to an expanded age group.
Camp CEO has drawn teens from all over to its weeklong entrepreneurial experience in the past five years. But in 2009, in response to the struggling economy, Camp CEO is becoming Camp CEO Crash Course. The a one-day event features business development training, financing advice, marketing ideas, networking experiences with area entrepreneurs, visits to successful local businesses and even some magic.
Camp is set for a very busy Friday, July 10, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Youths ages 13-18 can participate.
“Youth entrepreneurship is extremely important to the culture of our region and our state,” said Emily Carter, director of entrepreneurship and business development at SIUC. “Realizing that people are facing hard times financially and with the devastation from the recent storms, we decided to make this year’s Camp CEO a more affordable option. Changing the format to a one-day ‘crash course’ will allow us to reach kids who could not afford the weekly rate version and also appeal to a wider age range. In fact, if this format proves to be successful we may consider offering several one-day events on Saturdays or other days when school is not in session during the upcoming year.”
The camp costs just $20 and that includes meals (breakfast, lunch and snack), camp items and transportation to the various participating sites. The one-day camp begins and ends at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, located at 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale.
There is a maximum of 25 participants with registration on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or find out more about Camp CEO Crash Course, contact Ivan Sanchez, camp coordinator, at 618/453-3809 or via e-mail at isanchez@biz.siu.edu.
The support of the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center and regional businesses and sponsors make Camp CEO Crash Course possible. For more information about the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center and the services it provides for high-growth entrepreneurs or about the variety of programs for businesses and entrepreneurs within the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network at SIUC, contact Robyn Laur Russell, center director, at 618/453-3805.