Business Challenge

Business Challenge

Business Challenge is a summer camp that teaches high school students, university students, and educators how to become successful business leaders. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the business world, acquire fundamental skills that are required in any career, and gain hands-on management experience. Business Challenge has been around since 1978 and has educated over 7,800 participants.

Business Challenge has three major donors that help support the camp. The financial donor is the Walmart Foundation. The Walmart Foundation has donated $25,000 in 2009 and 2010 making a total of $50,000 in donations. The donation is used for student sponsorships and speakers for the camp.

The in-kind gift sponsor is the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF). Harold Schafer was one of the Business Challenge founders, and his family has continued to sponsor the camp. Every year, Business Challenge has the opportunity to take their students to Medora to get a “behind the scenes tour” of the Medora Musical. After their tour, the students get a free ticket to the show. The TRMF also accommodates Business Challenge by making the dinner buffet a great experience.

We also appreciate our team of volunteers who serve as advisors for the Business Challenge students throughout the week. Business leaders from across the state lead groups of campers called “companies.” The advisors help the students with their marketing projects as well and computer simulations. Their biggest role is mentoring the students. Company advisors consist of entrepreneurs, business managers, police officers, and Vice President and CEOs of companies. Business Challenge not only receives help from these three major donors but also receives many small donations throughout the summer. Donors are what keep Business Challenge in business!

Story by: Shaina Dolechek