Mayor for the Day

The CFO (left) and the Town Mayor (right)

KingMan and a good friend participated in JA BizTown.  What an incredible experience for them and me too! Life skills and financial literacy training doesn't get any better than this.  KingMan was elected Mayor based on an essay he wrote.  He had no idea what was in store for the day.  We did prepare for the event by going through the Biztown curriculum.  But nothing prepares you for the real world better than a REAL WORLD experience.





Just like in the real world, there were staff meetings, lunch breaks and an official swearing in ceremonies where KingMan read his speech.

Exhausted by 10:30 a.m.

By 10:30 a.m. KingMan exclaimed, "I'm tired.  This is a lot of work."  My response, "Welcome to the real world baby, now get back to work."

We learned during our brief stint with Classical Conversations that every thing you tackle in the world will have it's own "grammar"or jargon as it's know in the business world.  KingMan began his day by reading over his job description.

KingMan making deposits at the bank in an attempt to pay off their loan at the end of the day.

The goal for each business was to pay their loan off at day's end.  It was no easy task and only four businesses were able to do so.  KingMan's office was in the Town Hall and he was short two employees, so he and the CFO had to work double-duty as the IRS agent and the Utilities Supervisor.  Unfortunately, they were not able to pay off their loan.  What a wonderful lesson in teamwork and what happens when you do not have enough resources.

KingMan making a business deal.

KingMan and his good friend J-Man loved feeling like real businessmen and even made time to cut a few deals.  J-Man was the CFO of Phoenix University.  To support his business, KingMan enrolled in classes at the University.

Sealing the deal (they are really enjoying this!)

KingMan and J-Man sealing the deal.  They were really in character that day.  It's amazing how young people will rise to the occasion.

At the end of the day KingMan said, "Mom this was really great.  I want to do this again."  That was all the confirmation I needed.  I'm already busy planning to bring this to our local homeschool community.  JA Biztown is also program for public and private schools as well.