Camp Enterprise
2010 Camp Enterprise
March 26-28, 2010
Navasota, TX
What is Camp Enterprise?
Camp Enterprise was initiated by the Rotary Club of Houston as a means of providing a first-hand, practical introduction to the business world for selected high school juniors who have demonstrated leadership at their individual schools.
The students, who are recommended by school counselors and selected by the Rotary Club Free Enterprise Committee, must be actively enrolled as a junior in high school, have maintained a B+ average or above in scholastic standing, have held an office in a school organization and must contract to attend the camp.
The camp is an intensive three-day program of instruction, competition and teamwork. Through interaction with business executives and entrepreneurs, participating students are introduced to the challenges and opportunities of the free enterprise system. From successful business leaders, they learn the value of hard work and dedication; and learn, too, that they can be successful in whatever career they pursue if they apply the principles that the business speakers have learned from years of experience.
On the program at Camp Enterprise are outstanding speakers from the fields of manufacturing, engineering, health, communications, business services, and more. Topics may include management and employee relations, starting your own business, government relations, ethics, the role of business in society and the community, and much more.
(From left to right: Oliver Luck - Houston Dynamo, Dennis Murphree - Murphree & Co. Inc., Dr. Robert Ivany - University of St. Thomas, Donna Fisher - Business Owner, Best Selling Author, Professional Speaker)
Held in a true camp setting, Camp Enterprise is conducted at Camp Allen near Navasota - about 40 miles from Houston. The Rotary Club of Houston sponsors the students' bus transportation, lodging, speakers and all meals and amenities. Counselor couples from the Rotary Club of Houston supervise and coordinate the conduct at the camp.
Students are deeply immersed in a stimulating give-and-take environment that invites their participation in competitive teamwork in such activities as managing a business, completing an obstacle course and a talent show. They can question the speaker on the subject matter of each presentation as well as all other aspects of business during scheduled sessions. All parts of the program are designed to help students gain a better insight into the business world for themselves and their fellow students.
Students leave Camp Enterprise with immense enthusiasm and a sense of direction. They develop skills in analytical and conceptual thinking, public speaking and interpersonal communication. They gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the free enterprise system. Students improve their self-confidence, make new friends and meet professionals in a variety of careers. Students who have attended the camp describe the program as a uniquely positive and valuable experience that they will always remember.
For more information on Camp Enterprise, contact the Rotary office at 713-973-9936 or geraldine@rotaryhouston.org.
2009 Camp Enterprise Scholarship Winners
Camper of the Year - $5,000 Scholarship
Johnny Adams - St. Pius Hig School
Camper of the Year Runner Up - $2,500 Scholarship
Grant Goodland - Memorial High School
Service Above Self - $2,000 Scholarship
Cameron Purghan - Kingwood High School
BizSim Winning Team - $500 Scholarship per Team Member
Orange Team
SPONSORS
Michelle Bohreer - Bohreer & Zucker
Jeff Rawson - Merrick Capital Corporation
Steve Harter - Greater Houston Transportation Co. / Yellow Cab
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Click here to read Linda Caruso's interview
Camper's experience -"Eddie's Story"
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Jack Wells
Camp Enterprise Scholarship Fund
Camp Enterprise was adopted at the Rotary Club of Houston through the efforts of Jack Wells in 1986. The first camp was held in 1987 with 48 students and 8 coaching couples, consisting of Rotarians and their wives. Over 20 years later, the legacy has included almost 2,000 campers from all over the Houston area; hundreds of Rotarians and their spouses; Presidents, CEO's and executives who have shared their stories of success and failure, inspiration and motivation, and the importance of dreams based on hard work to achieve personal and professional success. In 2006, as we celebrated 'standing on the shoulders of giants' throughout the history of Rotary and Camp Enterprise, Jack Wells was energized with the prospect of reconnecting with Alumni from Camp Enterprise. He made the familiar drive to the Piney Woods one more time and talked to the Camp Enterprise '06 campers with childlike joy and enthusiasm. His humor was relaxing and infectious. His message was timeless. Mr. Jack Wells died in February 2008. Jack was a Rotarian for 45 years. Jack, well known for his eloquent words was working on the bio of our current Camp Enterprise Chair to present to the Rotary Club of Houston. If you think that Jack could not be outdone with his precise and precious words, he could. Jack was outdone by his deeds. His work with the students of Camp Enterprise has created a legacy of success and achievement in thousands of students. Not only the students that attended camp, but also students that were touched by the enthusiasm of those that did. His work with successful business leaders that came to know the good work of Rotary through the work of Camp Enterprise. His work with the Rotarians who dedicated three days or more of their lives to remember and renew their commitment to Rotary ideals as they live through our youth. The Rotary Club of Houston announced on April 10th, 2008 the Jack Wells Camp Enterprise Scholarship Fund. A $5,000 scholarship, to be used at any university, awarded to the top camper chosen by his/her peers and coaching couples for showing leadership qualities throughout camp (intelligence, initiative, cooperativeness, good judgment, strong ethics, and positive attitude). Two additional scholarships have been formed to include the "Camper of the Year Runner Up" in the amount of $2,500 and a "Service Above Self Scholarship" in the amount of $2,000. To make your donation in honor of Jack's memory, contact the Rotary office at 713-973-9936 or geraldine@rotaryhouston.org
