Morrison Country sophomores explore careers at Camp Ripley

CAMP RIPLEY - Tenth-grade students from Morrison County high schools, about 375 of them, interested in exploring various careers are expected to gather Feb. 10 at Camp Ripley.

The event, which is sponsored by the Healthy Communities Collaborative of Morrison County, brings nearly 100 business professionals from around central Minnesota together to present break-out sessions and host career exploration booths during the event.

"This event is unique because the presenters we invite are driven by the students' interests," explained Kate Bjorge, executive director of the HCC. "We customize all 375 students' schedules to include four break-out sessions of their choice, time spent in the exploration area and an opportunity to participate in a service project. It's a tremendous amount of work - but we believe it's well worth the investment to help these kids learn about how their skills and interests may or may not match with careers they think they might be interested in pursuing."

Another force driving the event is the belief that there are great career opportunities right here in Morrison County.

"We encourage students to go out and pursue their education, have life experiences and then consider re-locating back to this area" said Maxine Strege, HCC career fair project team chair. "Morrison County really has so much to offer. We have excellent education, health care, business opportunities, recreation and natural resources, not to mention wonderful people. It really is a great community."

The event kicks off with speaker Pastor Bobby Loukinen, former youth pastor at Living Hope Church in Little Falls and current speaker with Youth Alive bringing a message of hope to high school students.

"Bobby was one of our session presenters at last year's event and 210 kids registered to attend his session titled 'I Have NO IDEA What I Want to Do!'" said Bjorge. "He has an amazing ability to connect with this age group. The student evaluations were very favorable, so Bobby became our first choice as the keynote speaker this year." Loukinen will open the event by speaking to students on the importance of skills necessary to succeed in the workplace, such as organization, appearance and work etiquette, communication, drive and work ethic.

Funding for the event is provided by Catholic Health Initiatives, Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, participating Morrison County high schools and Central Lakes College.

To learn more about the Morrison County Career Exploration Fair or the HCC, please contact Kate Bjorge at (320) 631-5675 or go online to the HCC Web site at www.mocohcc.org.