Accessibility Tools

Latest News

Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp 2024

Young Entrepreneurs Develop Business Skills at Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp 2024

East Parkland, AB – Youth from across Alberta took a major step toward their entrepreneurial dreams at the Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (RAYEC) 2024, held at Eagle’s Nest Ranch near Cypress Hills. The week-long camp, supported by Community Futures East Parkland (CFEP), provided young entrepreneurs aged 13-15 with the opportunity to learn about business development, teamwork, and leadership through hands-on experience.

A Camp Unlike Any Other

RAYEC is designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by immersing them in the process of running a business. Throughout the week, campers formed teams, developed business plans, secured loans from real bankers, and operated businesses in a competitive yet supportive environment. The experience emphasized financial literacy, marketing strategies, customer service, and teamwork—valuable skills that will serve them in the future.

“The level of creativity and dedication these youth bring to camp is incredible,” said Chris Yaremchuk, Economic Development Officer with Community Futures East Parkland. “RAYEC gives them a safe space to take risks, make business decisions, and experience both the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.”

Image

Beyond Business: Building Confidence and Community

In addition to business training, the camp fosters personal growth and confidence through leadership exercises, outdoor activities, and mentorship from industry professionals. Campers learned to navigate challenges, work under pressure, and adapt to real-world business scenarios. Many participants described the experience as life-changing, gaining newfound confidence in their ability to lead and innovate.

The Path Forward

Community Futures East Parkland remains committed to empowering young entrepreneurs and looks forward to continuing its partnership with RAYEC. The program continues to expand, providing more youth with access to business education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

For more information on RAYEC and how to get involved next year, visit eastparkland.albertacf.com.

What some of our East Parkland Campers had to say about RAYEC:

I am a second year camper at Rayec and I really enjoyed my time there. I learned skills like communicating with others, how to be a good leader and most importantly I had a lot of fun. My favorite part about Rayec was paintball. I was really looking forward to that both years I went. I also met a lot of cool people during my two years camping at Rayec.

I have a lot of funny stories to share. I also learned a lot about entrepreneurship and running a successful business. I also enjoyed all the meals that us campers got provided with. I don’t think I can remember a meal I didn’t like.

I have a lot of good memories from my past 2 years as a camper and look forward to many more fun memories. Rayec is my favorite camp that I have been to. The youth leaders also do a great job in helping campers during the day with whatever they need.

This year my group’s business was making t-shirts. I had a lot of fun learning that new skill. I am very grateful to have had this experience. This is probably the best entrepreneurship camp out there.

Rayec does a good job on teaching teamwork and self discipline. For example my first year at Rayec my group decided to make crib boards. We had to use old wood and take the nails out of it then cut it into smaller chunks then sand those smaller chunks, put the holes in them and stain them.

On Friday night we weren’t quite finished so I skipped my rec activities to finish the crib boards. That’s just one example out of many on hor Rayec helped teach me self discipline.

This was a great experience and I am looking forward to it next year. Like I said previously I am very thankful for this wonderful camp.

Thank you very much,

Eldar

Contact Us

5020 50 Avenue
PO Box 250
Mirror, AB  T0B 3C0
P: 403-788-2212

Connect

Communities Served

Alder Flats, Alix, Ardley, Argentia Beach, Aspen Beach, Bashaw, Bawlf, Bentley, Big Valley, Birchcliff, Blackfalds, Bluffton, Botha, Buck Lake, Byemoor, Castor, Clive, Crestomere, Crystal Springs, Delburne, Donalda, Dorenlee, Duhamel, Edberg, Elnora, Endiang, Erskine, Falun, Fenn, Ferintosh, Fleet, Gadsby, Grandview, Gull Lake, Gwynne, Half Moon Bay, Halkirk, Haynes, Hoadley, Joffre, Kelsey, Lacombe, Leedale, Lousana, Ma-Me-O Beach, Maskwacis, Meeting Creek, Millet, Mirror, Morningside, Mulhurst, Nevis, New Norway, Norris Beach, Parkland Beach, Pelican Point, Pine Lake, Pipestone, Ponoka, Poplar Bay, Red Willow, Rimbey, Rochon, Sands, Rosalind, Silver Beach, Stettler, Sunbreaker Cove, Tees, Westerose, Wetaskiwin, White Sands, and Winfield