Rotary clubs seek funding for Camp Enterprise

Cape Girardeau and Jackson Rotary clubs are seeking for sponsors for Camp Enterprise, a major vocational service project which features a seminar and workshop on business issues for high school juniors and seniors.

The annual weekend workshop, held in a camp environment, focuses on the free-enterprise system. This year's Camp Enterprise will be held at Little Grassy United Methodist Camp in Giant City State Park south of Carbondale, Ill.

About 500 students have participated in the camp over its 10-year history. Attendance ranges from 40 to 70 students each year.

Enterprise campers work in teams of eight to 10. Each team forms a company involved in the manufacture of a product.

Students operate their individual companies, control inventories and production, manipulate manufacturing costs relative to variables in the economy, determine selling prices of finished goods and budget marketing and promotional expenses.

At the camp, students also have the opportunity to interact with business executives, union leaders and government representatives.

The Rotary clubs of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Perryville are primary financial sponsors for the cost of seminar.

"We also seek financial help from area businesses as well," said Ken Ruoff, Camp Enterprise promotions chairman. "Every year, we have a number of corporate sponsors."

Sponsorship levels begin at $50, which allows one student to attend one day of the camp. A $100 sponsorship allows that student to attend all three days of the camp.

Corporate sponsorships are available at two levels, gold for $250 and platinum for $500.