Understanding the complex world of commerce doesn't just apply to the business professionals on Bay Street anymore.

With a turbulent global economy affecting our daily lives, developing smart financial management skills is necessary for a successful future and it's never too early to start learning.

The DeGroote School of Business has just announced the fourth annual Synergy business camp this summer.

Synergy is a day camp for middle school, high school and graduating high school students which serves as an introduction to the world of commerce, as well as an opportunity to develop important personal skills. Sessions run weekly from July until August.

“Although this camp is run by the business school at McMaster, the skills learned at Synergy are very transferrable,” said program organizer and DeGroote commerce student Lea Matulovic. “With any job, no matter the industry, having communications skills, leadership skills, team building skills and problem solving skills are essential to succeed.”

Synergy has gained a lot of momentum over the last few years, thanks in part to the “well-rounded” nature of the program. With classes ranging from presentation performance, graphic design, leadership, ethics and resume building, students finish Synergy with a basic understanding of business, as well as the confidence to negotiate and problem-solve in everyday life.

New this year, Synergy, in partnership with McMaster's ALTITUDE, now includes a physical activity component that gets students out of the classroom and onto a high ropes course located on campus.

Synergy is also offering two special sessions, completely new to DeGroote: high school students from across Canada are invited to attend DECA's leadership conference held on campus from July 11 to 14, and the program is also offering two separate, week-long pre-university sessions offered to any students entering the commerce program in the fall.

“Of course we welcome any student wanting to learn more about business, but the biggest focus is on personal development,” Matulovic said. “Get your children motivated, expose them to a new challenge and watch them grow as young people.”