Leaving a Legacy: Summer Camp Draws Youth from Outside Colorado

Denese Ellis read about Young AmeriTowne Summer Camps in the Wall Street Journal last summer, and decided to send her granddaughter Grace this year.

“There’s not a lot of things you can give your grandchildren.  An education is one.”

Grandmother Denese Ellis read about Young Americans Center for Financial Education summer camps last summer in the Wall Street Journal.  She lives in Pittsburgh, near her daughter, son-in-law, and only grandchild Grace, and she thought, “I think Grace would really enjoy this camp.”  Knowing that Grace’s parents were busy (her dad is a lawyer and her mom is a doctor), Denese asked if she could accompany Grace to Denver.  And that’s how 10-year-old Grace ended up in Young AmeriTowne camp last week.

For Denese, giving her granddaughter early exposure to finance is something she really values.  She hopes that through AmeriTowne, Grace has gained a taste of what it’s like to have a job, a paycheck, and to navigate financial decisions.  She might even consider a career in banking or finance.  “I’ve seen her enthusiasm grow every day,” Denese said.  “We’ll definitely be back next summer.”

Grace, who worked in the Medical Center as a Doctor, really enjoyed seeing a new city and making new friends.  “Running Towne is the best,” she said as she thought back through her week of Young AmeriTowne camp.  “I’ve learned more about managing money, and I’ve had a lot of fun!”

More than 1,200 youth are participating in Summer Camps at Young Americans this year, including Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, YouthBiz and Spark Change.  There are still a few spots available, and you can register online.