Summer camp — the term usually is associated with spending days studying nature and nights by campfires accompanied by scary stories and flame-coated marshmallows.

But a collaboration of several organizations has created a new type of camp in which youth and young adults will get a chance to learn business skills.

William K. Wesley is the vice president of programs at Carter’s Biz Cafe, is the primary trainer at the camp, called Youth Biz Camp. He’s also an author, a corporate trainer and college professor.

“The camp is designed for Solano County young people between the ages of 14 and 21 who want to learn what it takes to plan, develop and run a successful business,” Wesley said.

Youth Biz Camp is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Solano Community College, he said.

“We want to help young people develop the ability to pitch their business ideas,” said Kelly Penwell, associate dean of Workforce Development at Solano Community College.

“Preparation necessary for a successful pitch translates nicely to other areas of their current academic and future business lives,” Penwell said. “We are honored to sponsor this much needed event.”

Kelly has run entrepreneurial camps previously. She has helped launch business careers of several of her students, including young bow-tie entrepreneur Moziah Bridges who participated in the television series, “Shark Tank.”

Carter Rankin, chief executive officer of Carter’s Biz Cafes, the company that is leasing the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, said other camp leaders are Charlie Monahan, deputy sector navigator of Workforce and Economic Development of California Community Colleges, and Charles Eason, small business sector navigator of the same organization.

Rankin called them “enthusiastic participants and supporters” of the project.

“These gentlemen have created and conducted business training programs and are tremendous assets to the Biz Camp,” he said.

“We are excited to work with such a great and experienced team to deliver our first of many worthwhile projects to young people in the Benicia community,” he said.

There is no cost to attend the Biz Camp, but class size is limited to 25, and advanced registration is required.

The week-long Biz Camp will be meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 17-21 at Carter’s Biz Cafe, operating in the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant’s Lane. Those interested may contact Wesley at 925-822-5453 or by email at William@fullifebalance.com.

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