Born into the foster care system, Gail Perry-Mason was
labeled special needs and hard to place.
Adopted by a woman in her 50s, she learned that all a child needs is
love and attention to thrive.
Years later, while working at an investment firm, Perry-Mason
saw an advertisement for a camp that taught students about financial
literacy. The cost to enroll in the camp
was $10,000, and Perry-Mason wanted to provide a more affordable option. This led her to establish Gail Perry-Mason’s
Youth Money Camp. Through grants from
individuals and businesses, she is able to charge only $75 per student. Now in its 17th year, the camp is
aimed at teaching children valuable skills to help them succeed in business.
Erica Uzzle first met Perry-Mason when she moved to Michigan at the age of
12. She started as a student and now
helps run the camp. Uzzle has greatly
benefited from Perry-Mason’s guidance.
“She has helped me tremendously,” said Uzzle. “The most
important thing she has taught me is networking. Stay in contact. You never know when you might need that
person.”
This year 150 students are registered for the camp, which
will be held from July 30 through August 3 at Wayne County
Community College
Organized by Uzzle, Perry-Mason, and three others, the goals
for the camp are to reach as many students as they can to teach them the tools
they need to succeed.
According to Perry-Mason, “Kids are like Kodak film. All they need is exposure.”
