More than 100 students and volunteers participated in the Real Money Business Bootcamp at Jungle Island on Friday, Dec. 15. Hosted in partnership with Communities in Schools, the event brought together students from Miami Beach Senior High and Miami Northwestern.
Students participated in a variety of stations manned by counselors and volunteers and learned to make choices towards a career path as they leave for college as well as the financial implications of paying for their education, housing, transportation, entertainment, fitness, and insurance, and the skills to manage their credit and banking accounts.
During the previous two weeks, volunteers also visited the two schools and presented lessons on financial literacy and responsibility.
The Bootcamp began with fitness guru, Michael Moore of Hiperfit, and 18 Best Buy volunteers escorting the students off the bus at 8:30 a.m. After a welcome and special treat from Jungle Island, students entered into the Real Money Business Bootcamp in the Garden Outpost section of the jungle. The students each began with a set amount of income and spent 10-15 minutes at each station making sure to end up with a balanced budget.
The different stations included the Florida International University Career Station, The Continental Group Realty Housing Station, Warren Henry Auto Station, Best Buy Entertainment Station, Florida International University College Skills Station, Hiperfit Fitness Station, City National Bank Account Station, State Farm Insurance Section, and City National Bank Credit Station. Based on their appreciation for education and their eagerness to excel, the students were given “bonus money” to spend throughout the day. The experience and education provided by the station volunteers helped each student come out ahead of the game.
Throughout the next month, the students will be asked to complete a one-page essay about their experience. The top three winners will be chosen to receive scholarship money, which will be provided thanks to sponsor donations.
About the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic well-being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.
About City National Bank
Headquartered in Miami, City National Bank of Florida (CNB) is the financial institution to which Floridians have turned for more than 65 years. The sixth-largest financial institution in the state, City National Bank of Florida was named the South Florida Business Journal’s Local/Community Bank of the Year in 2011. CNB is backed by Caja Madrid, founded more than 300 years ago and one of Spain’s largest financial institutions. CNB offers a diversified portfolio of financial products and services at 26 convenient banking centers from Miami-Dade County to the greater Orlando area.
