(TOPEKA, Kan.) - Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA, and middle school students from every corner of Kansas will arrive at Rock Springs 4-H camp near Junction City for three days of education and fun, Sept. 23 to 25. Campers will spend the weekend learning valuable money management and teamwork skills at the second annual MoneySmart Financial Management Camp.
"MoneySmart is a unique opportunity for our children," State Treasurer Jenkins said. "We focus on teaching finance and leadership skills to seventh and eighth graders, but combine it with horseback riding, canoeing and other traditional camp activities."
"Last year we received great comments from the campers and knew we had to offer the camp again," Jenkins added.
For the second annual camp State Treasurer Jenkins has again partnered with the Kansas Credit Union Association. Wichita State University's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization will also be on hand to instruct and offer guidance to the campers. The college students will teach the workshops and act as mentors to the campers. The camp includes interactive workshops on topics such as Money & Choices, Budgeting, Saving & Goal-Setting, and Cash & Credit.
In addition to MoneySmart, Treasurer Jenkins has instituted several other financial education opportunities to encourage Kansans to take a pro-active approach in handling their finances. Statewide programs offered include free financial planning seminars; "MoneyWise," a free monthly financial newsletter available at KansasStateTreasurer.com; and "Save@School," a savings program at local elementary schools.
"I am excited to offer these unique programs to Kansans," Treasurer Jenkins said. "Having the tools necessary for a financially secure future is critical to our state and all its residents."
The Kansas Credit Union Association was organized in 1934 to promote the welfare and interests of credit unions and to assist in the organization of credit unions; to act on behalf of credit unions; and to carry on essential business functions for the common benefit of all member credit unions. The Association's mission is: To assist member credit unions in meeting the needs of their members and potential members in order to further the success of Kansas credit unions. The Association takes leadership roles in: fostering the credit union philosophies
of democratic control and "people helping people"; promoting safety and soundness of its member credit unions while giving full support to the credit union cooperative system; developing and maintaining favorable legislation and regulation for credit unions, providing enlightened educational opportunities, generating healthy credit union growth strategies, and making available other credit union programs and services.
Wichita State University's SIFE has enjoyed great success including winning their tenth consecutive Regional Champion trophy in Denver last year. The team has performed well on the national level, reaching the top 16 in the nation. Visit www.sife.org for additional information about SIFE and www.wichita.edu/sife for information on Wichita State University's chapter.
Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was elected Treasurer on Nov. 5, 2002. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner. Since being sworn into office in January 2003, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office.
