Established in 1995 to help educate students about the opportunities available to them within the free enterprise system, the Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC) is revolutionizing the way the subject matter is taught. While lecture-based formats can be effective, FELC is challenging young people by engaging them to be the driver in their own learning process. Hands-on activities and interactive break-out sessions give students fundamental training in entrepreneurship, principled leadership, philanthropy and economics. Typically FELC is offered as a five-day residential summer program for high school students on college campuses. Session I: June 19-23, 2011 at Wingate University Session II: June 26-30, 2011 at Wingate University What do students learn? The goal of FELC is to educate students about entrepreneurship, the differences between capitalism and socialism, free market economics, personal responsibility, principled leadership and corporate/personal philanthropy. Activities and lessons are designed for students to create meaningful practical application. The core activity of the week is company competition. Students work in small teams to create a functional business which must turn a tangible profit by the close of the program. Additional activities include speech and debate contests, the John Templeton Foundation's Laws of Life Essay Contest, a Virtual Trade Mission project and ethics/character education games. Admission to FELC is based on an application process. Applications can be submitted online , or by paper. Factors considered in the application process are primarily a student's interest in participating in the program and overall capability (GPA, academic success, extracurricular involvement, etc.). No prior background in business is required, it's most important that a student WANTS to be at FELC and WANTS to learn about the subject matter. FELC is a program of The Helms Center Foundation, a non-profit organization. Private contributors help defray the cost of the program for all participants. **FELC is NOT accredited by the ACA - however we do follow strict standards. Please contact for more information about safety and health standards.

Camp Type:  Residential Year Established: 1995 Gender: Coed Age of Campers: 14 to 18 years old Cost/Week: $76.00-$200.00/wk Religious Affiliation: None Camp Owner(s): The Helms Center Foundation Camp Director(s): Lindsay Hollandsworth Nearest Large City: Charlotte, N.C. Off Season Rental: No Accreditations ? ACA

Camp Focus: Academic and Pre-College Camps: Business Academic and Pre-College Camps: Finance Academic and Pre-College Camps: Leadership Academic and Pre-College Camps: Public Speaking and Debate Special Accommodations: Physical Disabilities, Additional accommodations may be made upon request

Academic Activities:


Additional Activities:
Other activities include economics and philanthropy lessons and ethics training

Session I: June 19-23, 2011 at Wingate University Session II: June 26-30, 2011 at Wingate University The cost for both sessions is a $100 registration fee for all accepted students. This fee covers all meals, housing and activities for the week.