The Garden City school district fully-endorses the camp and is allowing children to attend the camp without being counted absent for the day. Bus transportation will be provided from and to the Garden City Middle schools and community college.

"We truly appreciate the support we are receiving from the school district," said Treasurer Jenkins. "They understand the importance of teaching financial education to kids at this age."

The all-day camp, co-sponsored by the Kansas Credit Union Association and locally the Golden Plains Credit Union, is a financial management camp created specifically for Kansas middle school students. It is designed to offer middle school students training in sound personal financial philosophies and practices in a fun environment that enhances leadership and teamwork skills. Students will engage in specific workshops regarding topics such as Money & Choices, Budgeting, Saving and Goal-Setting and Cash and Credit.

"Financial education is vital to the success of our state's citizens and it must begin with our youth," said State Treasurer Jenkins. "The MoneySmart Financial Management Camps are a perfect way to bring this invaluable information to young people so they can begin to understand how to make responsible decisions with their money."

Thanks to a grant there is no cost to the children, their families or schools. Each child who participates will receive all training materials, meals/snacks, cinch pack and a t-shirt. Middle school students and their parents are encouraged to talk to teachers or go online at www.KansasStateTreasurer.com and click on Money$mart to download an application. Space is limited and applications are due August 29. Contact Michelle Kaberline with the State Treasurer's office with any questions at 785-296-0645 or FinancialLiteracy@treasurer.state.ks.us.

In addition to Money$mart, 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 "MoneyWise," a free monthly financial newsletter available at KansasStateTreasurer.com and "Save@School," a savings program at local elementary schools.

Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was re-elected to her second term as Kansas State Treasurer on Nov. 7, 2006. During her time as Treasurer, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest and oversaw the re-bidding of the program, returned an average of $9 million a year in unclaimed property to Kansans, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner.