Erskine staff member and spouse take time to lead youth camp

Director of Financial Services Demarco Ryan and his wife Emily conducted a weeklong program called “Entrepreneur Bootcamp for the Youth” last summer, working with 30 young people ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old.

The first sentence of the camp’s mission statement reveals its focus: “Empowering the next generation of innovators, Entrepreneur Bootcamp for the Youth fosters creativity, cultivates leadership, and instills the entrepreneurial mindset.”

Helping young people and guiding them toward their God-given calling “has always been our desire,” says Demarco.

“This was our first year doing the camp and we had a lot of great responses back from the children as well as the parents,” he says, adding, “The children really didn’t want it to end.”

Stressing the importance of confidence and consistency, camp leaders spoke with the young participants about public figures who did not give up despite difficult circumstances or obstacles. Demarco said these included author J.K. Rowling, who “was told ‘no’ 12 times before getting a ‘yes,’” and Walt Disney, who “had to file for bankruptcy at a young age” but went on to preside over a large and influential entertainment company.

The Ryans were among the entrepreneurs who made presentations to the campers. Demarco’s catering business is “JustBray’s” and Emily’s salon is “Emily’s Place.”

Several business owners in such fields as children’s entertainment, doula services, health care, and real estate also spoke at the camp, where hands-on learning was emphasized.

Shown at top, Shannon Morton poses with campers in masks, gowns, and gloves.