After a five-year pause due to the pandemic and school renovations, Oak Hill Elementary School’s Money Camp has resumed. The program is designed to provide students with a practical understanding of financial literacy through a “classroom mini-economy.” Jeanette O’Malley, along with Cathy Lahr, Amy Klopfenstein, and Dana DeOcampo, leads the camp.
Students engage in various activities within their imaginary town, Cent City. They take on roles such as real estate agent, banker, store clerk, mayor, advertising executive, paymaster, tax collector, and insurance agent. These roles come with responsibilities and salaries that offer learning opportunities.
“The students are learning how money works in real life — and that all the money you make isn’t what you bring home. They’re shocked by taxes!” said Jeanette O’Malley.
The camp includes creating currency called “banananas,” opening bank accounts, writing checks, depositing funds, and managing finances. Students also face scenarios like paying for unexpected expenses to simulate adult responsibilities.
Ellie, a rising fourth-grader who served as the town’s store clerk stated: “I like giving people the stuff they need to make their products. I love my job because I help everyone.”
Participants explore economic principles using children’s literature and participate in Market Day where they sell products crafted during the week.
Jeanette O’Malley explained: “Seeing how fun it is for the kids is why I continue to do it.”
Open to third through sixth graders, Money Camp aligns with FCPSPortrait of a Graduate attributes by fostering communication skills and resilience among students.
Through these experiences at Money Camp, students gain essential knowledge about taxes, saving, investing and develop into responsible citizens aware of how individual choices impact society.
