OVB enjoys 4-H fun with annual boot camp class
June 22, 2018 1 Comment
4-H campers practice budgeting with candy during OVB Boot Camp.
Summer is in full swing. School is finally out, which means fun in the sun, pool parties, fairs, and of course, 4-H Camp!
As per tradition, Ohio Valley Bank once again participated in Mason County’s 4-H Camp. The bank’s class, OVB Boot Camp, took place at both older and younger 4-H camps. This year’s classes reached 27 campers.
A variety of financial topics was presented in a fun, interactive format during both camps. Campers participated in lessons and games, which included the following:
- Basic account types
- Basic bank paperwork, including check writing as well as deposits/withdrawals
- Interest
- Debit vs. Credit
- Budgeting
Along with each daily lesson, campers participated in a game where they had to juggle their personal mock portfolio of bank accounts. Each day they drew a Real Life Card, which either required them to pay a bill or provided them with unexpected cash. Campers also had an opportunity during this time to make deposits and withdrawals from their accounts. In addition, campers could choose to give in to temptation and spend their game money on snacks or continue to save. This year’s older camp portfolio winner was Hayley Russell, while Lyndsey Ward took top honors of the younger campers.
On the last day of both camps, all accounts were liquidated. Participants used their play money they earned throughout the week to bid on real prizes at the OVB Boot Camp auction. Prizes included a range of toys and games as well as movies, snacks and gift cards. Campers were able to take home all of the prizes they purchased.
Both older and younger camps did a wonderful job. Many older campers have taken the OVB Boot Camp class every year, while this year’s younger campers were all new to the program. The majority of campers agreed that they learned many valuable financial lessons, which will hopefully help them manage their money well as adults.
Camper Derrick Jackson, who has participated in the OVB Boot Camp Class every year since it was offered in 2006, ages out of 4-H camp this year. To celebrate Jackson’s accomplishments, OVB presented him with a $100 boot camp “buzz buck” with his face on it. The pretend currency was also signed by OVB President and CEO Tom Wiseman.
“During my time in OVB Boot Camp I have learned how to be financially stable in life. I really enjoyed my years in the class and getting to work with Bryna (Butler, OVB vice president corporate communications), Hope (Roush, OVB financial literacy leader) and Tony (Staley, OVB assistant cashier product development/business sales and support).” Jackson said. “I would like to thank everyone at OVB for putting together this class for the youth of Mason County.”
OVB Boot Camper Derrick Jackson, who has participated in the class since 2006, was presented with a special “buzz buck” for his accomplishments over the years.
Many of the campers in both the older and younger classes said the budgeting lesson was their favorite activity.
“I learned about budgeting and managing money in our OVB Boot Camp class. It was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the auction at the end of the week. I can’t wait to take this next year,” Russell, older camp winner, said.
Camper Alex Fetty also agreed that he enjoyed learning about budgeting.
“I learned how to earn and spend money. I learned about certificate of deposit and how to deposit money into my checking account. I also learned how to write checks. I think the most important thing I learned was about a budget,” he said.
Camper Jacob Shull also found the budgeting game and lesson informative.
“In this class I learned I truly need to be cautious of my limits. Budgets though they take time to work out are worth it. Thank you OVB for doing this class,” Shull said.
Camper Brynn Roush said that the budgeting lesson made her more aware of how her parents manage their money.
“I learned about what all our parents pay for,” she said. “I learned that your parents have to make good choices about how they spend their money.”
Camper Caitlin Campbell was excited to learn valuable financial lessons as well.
“I learned about the differences between credit and debit. I learned how to budget, what a stock is, and so much more,” Campbell said. “I had a lot of fun playing the (banking) word searches and crossword puzzles because it helped me retain the knowledge about banking better. I think this class was very informative.”
Camper David Kapp said that he chose to take OVB Boot Camp during his week at older camp as he wanted to financially prepare himself for the future.
“Being that I didn’t want to fall into debt I thought that this class would help. I wasn’t disappointed as I learned much,” he added.
Camper Reece Oliver said she learned a lot during her week in OVB Boot Camp.
“This week OVB has taught me a lot about saving money. It has also taught me about using debit and credit cards correctly. We also learned about checks,” she said. She added that she loved OVB as well as getting to use her money she earned on fun prizes, including the cookies she purchased.
Camper Olivia Stanley also said that she enjoyed the boot camp auction as it was very rewarding.
“This week at OVB (Boot Camp) class I learned you can earn interest,” Stanley said. “I learned that you need to save your money and you will be rewarded.”
OVB Boot Camp was created in 2005. For more information or to schedule OVB Boot Camp, contact OVB Financial Literacy Leader Hope Roush at 740-578-3452 or e-mail hdroush@ovbc.com.
