Photo: Susan Bergman and Kim Colbenson from GEM Federal CU gearing up for Real World Camp.

Volunteers from the Credit Unions United Chapter in Minot, North Dakota recently spent a full day helping to educate local 7th and 8th grade students about the financial realities needed to have successful life skills. Real World Camp was held on Tuesday, March 19 at the Grand Hotel, and Credit Unions United Chapter was not only one of the major sponsors, they helped to organize, plan, and conduct the day’s events.

Spending the day at the educational event were Susan Bergman and Kim Colbenson from GEM Federal CU; Claudie Selzler, Chelsea Gleich, Andrea Meyer, Dominik Brown, and Robin Erdman from Town & Country CU; Moriah Perry, Liana Dossett from North Star Community CU; and Beth Nelson, Beth Feldner, Courtney Borquin, and Kelsey Scharmer from Prairie Federal.

Approximately 130 students and 10 teachers were in attendance and received four 30-minute presentations on money matters including “Money Basics & Budgeting,” presented by Karna Taft from Town & Country Credit Union. This introduction covered basics such as savings, checking, and debit cards, as well as the importance of budgeting and an introduction to money management mobile apps.

Other presentations included “Wants VS Needs,” which explained how the average American is exposed to approximately 5,000 advertisements a day – and the importance of understanding the difference between what you actually need and what you really just want at the moment. “Loans, Credit & Insurance” discussed different types of loans and how to use them responsibly, as well as the importance of insurance and how financial decisions made today can impact a credit score. Finally, “Find the Job for You” emphasized using one’s strengths and interests to start exploring career options.