[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/synergydn1.jpg” caption=”Synergy, a week-long business camp for upper-year elementary and high school students held at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business, teaches business fundamentals in a fun, challenging, activity-based environment.”]Looking for a head start on business? In today's harsh economy, it is important for younger generations to develop a basic understanding of financial concepts in order to negotiate and problem-solve in daily life.

Synergy, a week-long business camp for upper-year elementary and high school students held at McMaster's DeGroote School of Business, teaches business fundamentals in a fun, challenging, activity-based environment.

“Business skills are now life skills for the 21st century, and these young students need exposure to essentials like money management, people management, negotiations, public speaking, team work and effective leadership,” says lecturer Mandeep Malik, Synergy's faculty advisor.

The third annual camp offers two sessions. The first is for students in grades 7 to 12 who may or may not have an interest in business as a career. There will be six week-long sessions from June 29 to Aug. 7 that will provide participants with a well-rounded foundation in various areas of commerce including accounting, finance, and marketing.

The second is designed for high school graduates who will begin studying at DeGroote this September. There will be two week-long sessions from Aug. 10 to Aug. 21 that will allow students to preview first-year course material, attend faculty-led seminars, meet with program advisers and tour the University's facilities, as well as learn about campus life first-hand from current business students.

“Synergy offers something for everyone,” says James Maxwell, a third year Commerce student and camp coordinator. “Over the course of the week you will get a taste of life on campus, meet new friends and go on a field trip to a corporation in the GTA.”

In addition, Synergy campers will have the opportunity to participate in case studies, career planning workshops and workplace tours. Participants will also be given a chance to role-play in simulated training sessions on the Allen H. Gould trading floor and create a marketing strategy for a real company. Previous campers have developed marketing plans for Frito-Lay, Walker's Chocolates and Y108.

“I had thought business was only about crunching numbers, but the camp showed me that there are so many more aspects,” says Leo Huang, who attended the camp in 2007 and is now a third year commerce student. “I learned how to better my communication and problem-solving skills, how to explore the stock market and how to work in a team setting.”

To register, visit theSynergy website. For further information or queries, email synergy@mcmaster.ca or call 905-525-9140 ext. 21400. Synergy offers the Headstart Scholarship to those with demonstrated financial need and discounted rates are available to groups. Bus service is available for participants in Burlington, Oakville and Niagara Falls.