The Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (AYEC) will be celebrating 15 years of youth entrepreneurial spirit in southern Alberta in 2011.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 AYEC for youth aged 13-15 who have an interest in business.

Youth will compete in an essay competition which will allow them to attend the camp for free.

Sixty youth from southern Alberta will attend the camp running Aug. 21-27 which will be held at Eagles Nest Ranch in Cypress Hills.

This one week entrepreneurial-based camp combines the education of business training with a summer camp atmosphere.

Campers hear from guest speakers and participate in workshops to learn the components of a business plan such as marketing, advertising, cash flows and record keeping.

Youth are put into business teams where they plan a business idea, meet with suppliers and bankers, build a product or a service and on the final day of camp these youthful business ventures are open for business. Campers pay back their business loans and split their profits amongst their business team.

It’s not only about numbers and business plans though.

These youth get to participate in a variety of summer camp experiences and recreational activities. Zipline, horseback riding, wall climbing, and mountain biking and swimming are just a few examples of activities the youth get involved in.

Youth that are interested in more information or applying to the camp can contact Tanya Kitchen Johnson of Community Central Alberta at 403-342-2055 or email Tanya@cfcab.com.

Also visit www.ayec.ca and the Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp facebook page. Application forms can be picked up from Community Futures Central Alberta at 5013- 49 Ave. in Red Deer. Application deadline is June 3.

– Fawcett