FAQ | Camp BizSmart | Youth and Teen Business Summer Camp

How is Camp BizSmart different from other camps?

Camp BizSmart is the only entrepreneur camp in the United States which teaches “Tweenpreneurs” ages11 – 15, “Thrival Skills” or how to survive and thrive in this flat and fast competitive, global business climate. We teach kids to think differently!

What is your learning model?

We call it L-D-C-A, or “learn-do-check-act”. It was adapted from Fortune 500 corporations on the advice of famous management consultant W. Edwards Deming, the “father of statistical quality control.” Our model is based on the proven practice of project based learning which uses cases and exercises centered on real life problem-solving to teach practical skills and abilities.

Is this just another technology skills camp?

Good question. No, it is not. We believe entrepreneurs are successful because they have the

“total” package. We believe attitude is just as important as skill. We teach both. Herb Kelleher,

the wildly successful CEO and founder of Southwest airlines, once said his secret to success

was “hiring for attitude and training for everything else.” We agree with Herb.

Do you focus on skill development?

Absolutely! We have a learning model that emphasizes leadership, collaborative teamwork, financial analysis, project management, negotiation, positive influence and public speaking.

How is it possible to get this all done in two weeks?

The agenda for each day is precisely coordinated; time management is a valued skill. In addition to industry experienced camp directors, each team is assigned a facilitator whose job it is to keep team members focused on project goals, schedules and requirements.

Why is Camp BizSmart project-based?

Most learning research has concluded that successful business founders and entrepreneurs learn exceedingly well from actual experience. We design projects to duplicate how people learn in real life. You might say: “project practice makes perfect.”

How are students assigned to projects?

Before camp, students are provided with project descriptions. They must research each company and decide in priority order which project is most exciting & interesting. On the first day they must negotiate with others to obtain their first or second choice.

What kind of projects will students work on at Camp BizSmart?

We know Camp BizSmart students are passionate and up-to-date on the latest technology. We integrate technology with projects to get kids excited & involved in current “Hot” business trends and issues. Past team projects include an Apple iPhone app to track home energy use for Hara; a system to clean installed solar panels for Valence Energy; healthy school meals for Revolution Foods; an energy efficient classroom for Serious Materials; a literacy program in Northern Uganda for Better World Books; a healthy energy drink for FRS; a “teencentric” wearable fitness device for HopeLab; an electric mini-moto motorcycle for Zero Motorcycles and a "Brain Science" sports performance feedback device for NeuroSky.

Is this a camp only about project management skills?

Actually, Camp BizSmart features a business plan competition. Each team prepares a written plan and PowerPoint overview for presentation to a panel of actual Silicon Valley investors. The winning team is rewarded with a unique post-camp experience.

Who are Camp BizSmart students?

In 2010, we drew top students from 10 international schools, plus an increasing number of students from across the United States, and over 50 public and private schools in the Bay Area to our Stanford and Santa Clara University and Honolulu locations. We also opened Camp BizSmart India in 2010. Stay tuned for additional locations to be announced soon.

What are the qualifications of Camp BizSmart staff & faculty?

Founders Mike & Peggy Gibbs have 30 years experience each in management and leadership at General Electric, Benetech, Texas Instruments, Packard Children’s Hospital, the Girl Scouts and several Silicon Valley start-ups. Camp BizSmart Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge, training and years of experience at leading companies. Faculty members from companies like Cisco, Serious Energy, Apple, Google, Kaboodle and a variety of well known fast growing ventures deliver topic specific learning modules.

What do the founders know about skill development?

Dr. Michael Gibbs has delivered seminars to executives in over 20 countries for General Electric & the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. As a psychologist, he evaluated student performance and worked on projects to re-invent education in the U.S. at The Health Trust, Peggy Gibbs co-founded education and youth development ventures, including the Children’s Dental Initiative, and BrainWise Learning. She also co-founded the Santa Clara County Partnership for School Readiness. At Packard Children’s Hospital Ms. Gibbs raised capital for cutting edge children’s medical services. At the Girls Scouts, she initiated programs to teach girls math, science, and leadership skills.

Does Camp BizSmart plan to “go global”?

Thomas Friedman writes about the “flat, global economy”. Well, as you know, it’s already here! Camp BizSmart students have visited Cisco to pitch their ideas, live via TelePresence, to students in Argentina and Brazil. Business plan presentations have been beamed in virtually from India and China, and “Tweenpreneurs” have traveled from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, Singapore and China to be coached, mentored and inspired.

What is it like at Camp BizSmart?

Students choose their own teams and take responsibility for jobs like CEO and CFO. Each team solves a problem given by the CEO and founder of a successful company. They design an innovative solution, write a business plan and pitch it to a group of real investors. Its hard work, but also exciting and fun.

How can I find out if Camp BizSmart is right for my son or daughter?

Call us. Mike and Peggy’s number is (408)395-1937. Our toll-free number is (800)-475-0869. Or try our cell phones: Mike: (408)472-6701, Peggy: (408)-472-2861. We would love to chat with you, and are absolutely dedicated to what’s best for your aspiring young entrepreneur.