JASD's Summer Camp completed its second sold out session last week, bringing new ideas about financial literacy and community to our 160 participants.

Campers spent a day aboard the USS Midway enabling them to see a community in action in a microcosm of the retired aircraft carrier. Other days, the kids created toys from recycled items to build their businesses around, and on Friday, they ran BizTown and parents were invited to participate in an Open House. This gave campers an opportunity to share with their parents what they learned all week as well as give them a tour of BizTown.

One camper who earned a job at BizTown's Channel 933 at Sony Studios reached out to his favorite Channel 933 on air personality, Frankie V, to get a feel for the job. Frankie V was so thrilled by Noah's enthusiasm; he took time out of his day to come to BizTown while the kids were running the town on Friday After spending a good amount of time with Noah, Frankie V offered to give the 5th grader a tour of the real radio station, a dream come true for Noah!

Sadie Saullo, Summer Camp Coordinator, said that a key concept she wanted to communicate to BizTown Campers was the importance of having an effective community; businesses are part of it, they're part of it as consumers and citizens, and so are non-profits. Therefore, she invited a representative from Meals-on-Wheels to visit with the campers and talk about the purpose of their non-profit organization.

Campers helped give back by decorating Birthday Bags that are delivered to participating seniors on their birthdays and other special occasions. In addition to personalizing and brightening up these bags, campers also raised approximately $500 in cash and in-kind donations to benefit Meals-on-Wheels over both sessions of camp.

To see videos the kids made while at camp, click here.