Aug 19, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 19, 2025
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – What happens when you give a group of energetic kids some big ideas and a little financial know-how? At Lake Superior State University’s (LSSU) Kids Camps this summer, the result was an entrepreneurial pop-up shop that raised over $1,100 for the local animal shelter.
This project started with a collaboration of LSSU’s Kids Camp and Limestone Federal Credit Union’s on-campus branch, The Hub @ LSSU. Together, they had campers spend the week learning about saving, budgeting, and entrepreneurship. From brainstorming business ideas to calculating costs and designing products, campers learned what it takes to turn an idea into a real business.
The week concluded with a lively pop-up shop on campus, with families, friends, and community members gathered to support the young entrepreneurs. These campers proudly sold items that they created, raising $1,137.83 in the process. The funds were then donated to the local animal shelter, a cause the kids chose themselves.
To celebrate their generosity, the shelter brought a few playful puppies to campus. The children saw firsthand the difference they were making, while enjoying some well-earned puppy fun.
“This year’s LSSU Kids Camp was an incredible success,” said Sabrina Oshelski, Business Development Officer at Limestone. “Watching the students bring their business ideas to life was inspiring. Their creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit shone through – and the support from parents, LSSU staff, and community members made the experience even more meaningful.
Sophie Shepard, Branch Manager at The Hub, added, “The kids took what they learned about saving and understanding needs versus wants and ran with it. Seeing them raise money for a cause they cared about – and then celebrate with puppies – was such a special moment for everyone involved.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of our campers,” said Kristin Graham, Assistant Director of Admissions, Outreach, and Yield with LSSU. “They showed their creativity with their items, and their dedication to supporting a good cause through all the hard work. Partnering with The Hub gave the kids a unique way to learn real-world skills while keeping it fun. Seeing their hard work add up to over $1,100 raised for a cause they chose, and seeing their faces light up at the sight of the puppies, was a great reminder of why we do this camp.”
More than just a camp activity, this project provided campers with an opportunity to develop skills they’ll use throughout their lives: creativity, teamwork, and giving back.
For more information about LSSU Camps, visit www.lssu.edu/summercamps.