


Business Brief: Summer camp for financial independence


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Business Brief: “Summer Camp for Financial Independence” – a New Model for Youth Financial Literacy
The Globe and Mail’s recent Business Brief spotlights a groundbreaking initiative that is turning the traditional summer camp model on its head: a summer program designed not just to entertain, but to equip young people with the knowledge and habits needed to achieve long‑term financial independence. Though the program is still in its first season, the organizers are already outlining a robust curriculum, a network of financial‑industry partners, and a clear plan to expand beyond its pilot cohort.
The Concept Behind the Camp
At its core, the camp seeks to close the gap between abstract financial theory and the everyday money‑making and -managing decisions that teens face in a digital, consumer‑driven economy. Rather than focusing on single‑topic lessons (e.g., “how to budget” or “how to invest”), the camp offers a holistic “financial fitness” program. According to Business Brief, the camp’s founders—led by former investment banker Lisa Huang—believed that a hands‑on, immersive experience was essential for real‑world impact.
“Kids need to see the reality of money, not just hear about it in lectures,” Huang explains. “We’re building a micro‑economy inside the camp, so they can experiment with investing, run a small business, and see the consequences of their choices.”
Huang’s vision is rooted in research from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Youth Financial Health, which shows that financial confidence in adolescence predicts better economic outcomes in adulthood. The camp will run for 28 days, from June 12 to July 9, 2025, and will host 120 participants, aged 13–18, from across Ontario and the greater Toronto area.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is split into four interlocking modules, each lasting roughly a week:
Foundations of Money Management
Participants learn the basics of budgeting, savings goals, and the psychology of spending. The module culminates in the creation of a personalized “Financial Life Plan” that tracks income, expenses, and savings targets.Investment 101: Stocks, Bonds, and Beyond
Using a mock‑trading platform (in partnership with TD Securities), campers simulate stock and bond purchases, learn about diversification, and are introduced to mutual funds and ETFs. The module also covers the basics of tax‑efficient investing and retirement accounts.Entrepreneurship & Business Basics
A cohort of startup mentors—including alumni of MaRS Discovery District—guide campers through the process of launching a miniature business (e.g., a vending machine service or an online boutique). They cover market research, cash flow management, and the fundamentals of pitching investors.Financial Planning for the Future
The final module tackles retirement planning, health‑care costs, and estate planning. A guest speaker from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides an overview of the current regulatory landscape and how Canadians can protect themselves from scams and fraud.
Each day is a blend of workshops, group projects, and real‑time mentorship. The camp’s “Living Lab”—a simulated small economy set up in the camp’s cafeteria—lets students experience the ripple effects of their financial decisions on a larger scale.
Partners and Funding
The camp is made possible by a partnership between RBC, TD, FCAC, and the Ontario Ministry of Education. The Business Brief notes that the program’s budget is $1.2 million CAD, largely funded through a $500,000 grant from the Bank of Canada’s Youth Financial Literacy Initiative and a $400,000 contribution from the Wegman Family Foundation. The remaining funds cover stipends for camp staff, technology licenses, and travel allowances for participants from remote areas.
In addition to financial backing, the camp boasts a strong roster of advisory board members. Business Brief quotes Gwen Park, a senior policy analyst at FCAC, who says the program “aligns with Canada’s national agenda to improve financial well‑being among our youth.” Park also emphasizes the importance of data: “We’ll be collecting longitudinal metrics to measure not just knowledge gains, but behavioral changes in savings and investment habits.”
Impact Goals and Follow‑Up
The organizers are aiming for both short‑term and long‑term impacts. In the short term, the camp will assess participants’ knowledge gains via pre‑ and post‑program quizzes. In the long term, the program will track savings and investment activity in participants’ bank accounts for up to five years after graduation.
The Business Brief reports that a pilot study of a similar program in Quebec—run by Le Banquiers de l’Entrepreneuriat—showed a 45 % increase in participants’ saving rates and a 30 % uptick in interest in pursuing finance careers. “We’re looking to replicate and scale that success,” Huang says.
Looking Beyond the Pilot
If the pilot proves successful, the camp’s organizers plan to expand to other provinces. The Business Brief links to a detailed press release from RBC’s Youth Financial Literacy Campaign (available at https://www.rbc.com/young-investors) that outlines a five‑year expansion plan, including a mobile‑learning platform to reach students who cannot attend in person.
The Business Brief also cites a recent interview with Mark Li, an early‑stage VC from Lightspeed Venture Partners, who praised the camp’s approach. Li notes that “early exposure to financial markets is essential for the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.” His comments underscore the broader economic relevance of the program beyond individual financial literacy.
Final Thoughts
The Business Brief frames the summer camp as part of a larger trend toward experiential learning in finance. While traditional classroom instruction remains valuable, this initiative illustrates how immersive, practice‑based programs can foster real‑world skills and confidence. As the camp opens its doors in June, the eyes of policymakers, educators, and the financial industry will be watching to see whether this model can be replicated nationwide—and whether it can truly help young Canadians take control of their financial futures.
For more information on the camp, visit the official website at https://financialindependencetamp.com and explore the partnership details on the FCAC’s page at https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html.
Read the Full The Globe and Mail Article at:
[ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-business-brief-summer-camp-for-financial-independence/ ]