Best Field Trip EVER!

The 5th graders at Stone Canyon went on a field trip to BizTown in Tulsa.  It was so awesome.  Their classes have been preparing for this day for a while.  They applied for jobs, had interviews, learned how to set up a bank account and much more.  Zoe was happy she got the job she applied for...news anchor!

We borrowed Aunt Shell's clothes (and attitude) for the big day!

I volunteered at one of the businesses and was so glad I went.  The building was set up like a real town.

When the kids arrived they already knew where they worked and a little about their job!

Zoe was working for the Cox Network (just like Michelle)!

I helped out in a business called Linde.  They did science experiments and sold items like slime that they actually made.  I was so impressed by how independently they worked!

 

  Each child had a checkbook.  They got a paycheck that they deposited into the local bank and kept track of their spending.  Each business sold items to try to pay off their bank loan.  The kids managed the cash register and the CFO entered all the checks into the computer and deposited them.  She also paid invoices to other businesses. They worked hard and learned so much.

The town had a doctor's office where the kids could go for a check up.  It was covered through their insurance but they did have a copay of 25 cents.  They enjoyed lunch at Arby's and could buy items at Reasor's and other stores.  They had a wholesale store that delivered supplies and a non for profit agency that supported charities. 

 

The kids could visit a financial advisor and invest some of their money in stocks.  They had a City Hall where you could vote.  There was a TV station and newspaper.  They even had utility companies such as ONEOK that installed pipes and read meters in and around the stores. 

The mayor led a couple of town meetings.  She did a great job.

I wasn't with Zoe's group, but on my break I followed her around a little bit.  Part of her job was interviewing citizens and learning about their job.

I got to watch her interview the beverage manager at Arby's (I love the girl's hat). 

Zoe had told me earlier that Arby's Beverage Manager was one of the most sought after jobs.  Apparently a lot of kids applied for that position.

 

She also went to the bank to ask some questions. 

Her best friend, Macy, worked at the bank.  Zoe said she got a teller job but was promoted to CFO (because the original CFO had the flu).  That's pretty impressive!

She seemed to be having a good time with all her friends.She also really seemed to enjoy her job.  I can't wait to watch the video of her interviews.

We hung around and snapped a few pictures after the field trip was over.

I really loved hanging out with the 5th graders.  My favorite thing that happened today though was toward the end of the experience.  The group I worked with all day consisted of two girls and four boys.  They were a great group.  The kids loved spending their paychecks at all the stores buying all kinds of toys, jewelry, and a variety of other items.  Our sweet CEO had $10 to spend but couldn't find her checkbook anywhere.  By the time she found it, it was too late to buy anything.  She was so sad and started crying.  Without any prompting at all, the other kids in our group started giving her one of their things. It was honestly one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.

  It was such a great day!