(TOPEKA, Kan.) - Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA, invites all Kansas seventh and eighth graders to apply to be participants in the third annual Money$mart Financial Management Camp. The students will spend the weekend learning about leadership and gaining money management skills all while making new friends. The three-day, two-night camp will be held at Rock Springs 4-H camp near Junction City, Sept. 22 to 24 and is a partnership between Treasurer Jenkins and the Kansas Credit Union Association.
"The camp is getting bigger and better each year," Treasurer Jenkins said. "Students are having a great time!"
Campers will spend the weekend learning valuable money management and teamwork skills, riding horses, canoeing and participating in a number of other fun activities. The camp, open to all seventh and eighth graders in Kansas, includes interactive workshops on topics such as "Money & Choices," "Budgeting," Saving & Goal-Setting," and "Cash & Credit."
Parents, teachers and students are encouraged to apply today! Applications are due Sept. 1. The cost is $50 per student, which includes food, shelter and materials. Visit www.KansasStateTreasurer.com and click on the Money$mart link or call Mary Lou McPhail at 785-296-0645 to apply. Local credit unions also have applications in addition to the Kansas Credit Union Association's website, www.KCUA.org.
"Helping our children grow into productive citizens is every parent's goal," Treasurer Jenkins said. "My hope is that this camp starts kids down the road to reaching that goal."
In addition to Money$mart, Treasurer Jenkins has instituted several other financial education opportunities for Kansans so that they may 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 www.KansasStateTreasurer.com; and "Save@School," a savings program at local elementary schools.
"I am proud 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. For more information visit www.KCUA.org.
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.
