Adults aren't the only ones who need advice on monetary matters.
On Monday, July 9, 2012, Camp iCare will start its third annual four-day camp for ages 6-12.
By inviting children who don't understand the value of the hard-earned dollar, Camp iCare is trying to change the perspective for children that money does not, in fact, grow on trees.
Camp iCare is a summer camp that is held at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School.
The camp teaches children about financial and philanthropic responsibility.
The staff at Camp iCare plan on doing this by teaching engaging and informative courses and activities.
"We show them that philanthropy isn't just about giving money, but that they can give their time, talent and trust," said Sharon Wilbanks, co-founder of Camp iCare.
The camp is the first at Auburn that focuses and is dedicated to teaching children how to be smarter with their money.
"Through this unique learning program, campers will develop their leadership and giving skills while making a positive impact on others," said Michelle Hodges, Camp iCare Advisory Committee member.
The camp's message is not solely based on money. Sydney James Nakhjavan, director of the Women's Philanthropy Board and co-founder of Camp iCare, said the camp is also focused on creating ways to care for others and the world.
Children that have shown an interest in making the world a better place are also encouraged to attend Camp iCare.
Former campers of Camp iCare have even given up presents and their money for canned food items for food banks.
At the four-day morning camp, campers will participate in activities that focus on dynamic hands-on learning and service projects.
Lessons for how to be money smart, meeting special guests and producing a video for a cause are all activities campers will participate in at Camp iCare.
Other topics that will be covered in lessons are wants versus needs, leadership and sacrificing time, talent, treasure and trust.
The camp started in 2009 as a joint venture between the College of Human Sciences Women's Philanthropy Board and the Early Learning Center in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
According to Sam Allbrook, operations manager for the Women's Philanthropy Board, Camp iCare isn't only making differences in children's lives, but also the community's lives.
Allbrook said the camp has doubled since its inaugural camp, and the children that attended the camp are donating more to the community.
The camp is using social networking for involvement with spreading the news about this year's Camp iCare.
The camp's Facebook page has pictures up of the 2012 shirts campers will receive pictures of campers from last year and staff members writing on the timeline to encourage campers to come.
The camp also has a Twitter account and Flickr page with multiple photos of Camp iCare from years past.
The cost to attend Camp iCare this year is $150 per camper.
The fees cover materials for all activities, field trips, snacks and the special Camp iCare T-shirt.
The camp is sponsored by the Auburn University College of Human Sciences Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and the Auburn University Early Learning Center.
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