Submitted by Lacey South Sound Chamber
Summertime lemonade stands are a great way to meet neighbors, encourage our children and even make a few extra dollars. But, with a little educational nudge, they can become so much more.
Studies show that “we view learning as ‘fun’ or exciting but give the process or experience that creates this end goal a serious case of stink eye. If only we could learn without actually having to learn. It would be the educational equivalent of having your cake and eating it too…Fun, pleasure, excitement – call it what you will, the essential ingredient in any training endeavor is engagement. If you don’t spend the time to make the learning experience a compelling and enjoyable one, how can you expect your learners to spend any time on it?”
With this in mind, the Lacey South Sound Chamber and Thurston County Economic Development Council (EDC) have continued their partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and Together! in the second Annual Lemonade Day event.
A national program, Lemonade Day began in 2007 as “a community-wide educational program that teaches youth the entrepreneurial skills necessary to start, own and operate their own business…a lemonade stand.”
“Teams of fifth and sixth grade kids will prep for a few weeks using the national Lemonade Day curriculum which includes all the steps involved in formalizing a business—a lemonade stand,” explains Holly Paxson, Lacey Timberland Library manager and co-chair of the Chamber’s Education Committee. Teams will then present these business plans to the local businesses in hopes to get their investment in their lemonade stand.
This will culminate with Lemonade Lane at the Lacey Spring Fun Fair on May 6. At this event the community can meet these young business owners and vote on the best stand and best lemonade. Presenting sponsor Twin Star Credit Union and Pacific Mountain Workforce is helping with the event and the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity will supply mentors and materials for the build site.
Sierra Roundy, Executive Director of the Lacey South Sound Chamber, says “the Chamber has continued to be a part of this program because we loved seeing the entrepreneurial energy that flowed from the Boys & Girls Club kids last year. What a great opportunity this is to help prepare them to be a part of the business community. We are excited this year to be a part of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair so we can really showcase this great program to the community!
“By bringing Lemonade Day to Thurston County it is our hope to promote the entrepreneurial spirit with our future’s business leaders—today’s youth,” adds EDC Executive Director, Michael Cade.
Though kids learn the ins and outs of budgeting, banking, and other financial necessities, Paxson stresses they’re not responsible for providing actual money. She and her team act as the bank but the entire experience is free for the participants.
Lemonade stands aren’t as prevalent as they once were, so having the opportunity to research, design, build, and staff one at a bustling community festival insures a thirsty captive audience. Come enjoy the literal fruits of their labor and perhaps shake hands with the next entrepreneur.
Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Come help Lemonade Day foster budding entrepreneurs conquer the wide world of entrepreneurship.
