This is an update on an earlier story about a camp for young entrepreneurs In British Columbia created by Pamela Secord as her project in the Landmark Education SELP. The first article described the project; this one describes the results as noted by Secord herself in the Bradner Barker.
Young Entrepreneurs Dream It, Then Do It
I have been moved by many things in my life but I have to say this one takes the cake. On March 20, 21 and 28 a Youth Entrepreneur Bootcamp was held at Bradner Hall. I took on a project to move and inspire my community and it seemed to grab hold and soon snowballed into what can only be described as wondrous.
The Bootcamp was attended by close to 55 young adults between ages 18 to 34 who were invited to participate in an effort to help them find a direction and career path for their lives. It was very moving to see these young people come into the Bootcamp on the first day being in the area of wanting and hoping and then by the end of the weekend they were all in action. Many of Bradner’s most successful entrepreneurs gave their time as mentors, advising participants about some of the pitfalls and successes they had experienced along their own career paths.
By the end of the first weekend the young people had their business plans figured out and were actually setting goals and putting their visions into action. They were told that if they were passionate about their vision and willing to stay in action, then everything else would fall into place. These amazing young people were both brilliant and very eager to be successful. One fellow said he had hear this before in university, but as part of the Bootcamp he learned what was missing – ACTION. He had lots of knowledge, which was great, but no tools with which to get his plan into gear.
After the initial weekend, the participants were given “Homework” assignments. In other words, told to start finding ways to put their plans into action. Each participant was offered 3 conference calls for support during their Action Week. I was very pleased to see them use the calls and was amazed at how much action was being taken. Almost all of the young people left the Bootcamp ready to begin the adventure of starting their own company and designing their own career path. I am continuing to receive emails letting me know what they are up to and it is so exciting!
I would like to send out sincere thanks to the following. Without your help and support, this event would never have taken place.
Landmark Education (Vancouver) for if I would not be attending the Self-Expression and Leadership program I would never have had the opportunity to create my project, through which so many lives were touched.
The young adults who took the time to attend this 3 day Youth Entrepreneur Bootcamp. I really appreciate what effort and commitment it took to participate in this event.
Tana Plewes for being my inspiration. Without Tana I may have chosen a different project. As founder of the Discovery Center for Entrepreneurship and creator of Possibliity.ca, she recruited our panel of experts: Chad Gibson and Associates, Mark Holland-RADplus, Jeff Baker-Positive Futures, and Simon Levin-AnK Apparel. The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (www.cybf.ca) is offering startup loans up to $15,000 to qualified participants intent on launching their new business. These leaders were absolutely phenomenal and were so committed to helping the kids to take the steps needed to have their dreams become real.
The production team who helped me set up and assisted as and when needed. The team included my lovely husband, Bob Secord, Sharon Smit, Debra Brandt, Emily Thoen, Dakota Barker, Kathy Nipkow, Ruby Jaggernath, and Mandy Kidd.
Mt. Lehman Credit Union manager Gene Blishen for being my first supporter who made me realize I really could pull this project off. Also for donations of prizes, advertising, photocopying and to Dawn Collins from the credit union who patiently spent time with me on the photocopying.
Bradner Elementary’s Sharon Christian and Principal Harold Feiter for loaning me the use of many things from the school.
Bradner Community Club for donating the use of the hall and any members who helped me have things run smoothly.
Anny Kosovic for designing my flyer.
Aldersgrove Credit Union for donating pens, cash which was put toward refreshments and stress balls for all the participants which, but the way were a huge hit.
Elsie Weiss (Aldercenter Remax Realty), Sue Hunt (Sunset Gourment Consultant and Hunt Security Systems), Bob and Wendy Hauser (WEstcoast Amusements) for prize donations.
Wilway Lumber, Chuck Webb (Fraser Financial Group), Dr. Schlagntweit, Rone Price (President and CEO of the Abbotsford International Airshow) and the Bradner Barker who donated money in support of this event.
Finally, thanks to the Mentors who are indeed a special group. They have generously agreed to offer their support and expertise to the Bootcamp participants for the next month. Carryl Peters, Bruce Fatkin, Debra Brandt, Lois Dyck, Elsie Weiss, Gord Beebe, Arnold Falk, Herbie & Lorraine Feischel, Miki Boleen, Donna Dixon, Consuelo Clarke , and Ruby Jaggernath.
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