Mini-Society Rules! In So Many Ways....

It was a program specifically made for a 4-H mini-day camp, Mini-Society. The program allows youth to create their own government, financial system and business, while they accidentally learn about money management, citizenship, and marketing. Each day is filled with fun and exciting adventures that they create and allow to run the course.
On Monday they voted on their town flag, money design and conducted interviews for important jobs like banker, money cutters, county council President and more. It was a day of deciding what their society would be like, who could come and go, and how decisions would be made. The youth also worked on their posters for their businesses which would open on Tuesday.
After job assignments on Tuesday and having a brief county council meetings to discuss issues the group got ready and opened their businesses. They even voted to allow some outsiders to come in and spend money (mainly office staff). They had some creative businesses, from a beauty shop to a gift shop, a food store to a technology shop you could find almost anything your heart desired. After the stores closed it was time for the auction. The money they made could be used to buy other items put up on the auction block. They had the opportunity to auction items as well. It was a true free capital program in full force.
Wednesday it was time to learn about managing money and writing checks. Each you got the opportunity to learn about checking accounts and how to balance them. They also got to open their stores again and sell more items. During the county council meeting they put in a request for a special friend to come visit. After voting for it, the group received a special visit from our official 4-h county dog, Manny. He was very happy to see everyone and help them end their busy and profitable day.
Thursday was field trip day. After an exciting visit to the Robeson County Board of Elections (to add to their citizenship skills), the group traveled to Lumberton City Hall. While there they met with the new City Attorney, got a chance to meet the Mayor and see the room where City Council meetings are conducted. After their graduation lunch the group travelled back to the O. P. Owens Agricultural Center and wrapped up business for this year. A good time was had by all and everyone really enjoyed this 4-H day camp again this year.