Kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley (BGCEV) jumped right into the 2025 SELCO Financial Education Week.
This annual weeklong tradition brings age-appropriate lessons about finances to students in first through sixth grade. Through games, movement, and teamwork, kids begin to understand the value of saving, spending wisely, and making choices without ever feeling they’re sitting through a class.
A club with deep community roots
Since 1999, BGCEV has been a cornerstone for youth in Lane County. Today, it operates three clubs—Eugene, Bethel, and River Road—serving young people ages six to 18. Each club provides a safe, welcoming environment where kids can grow academically, socially, and personally.
BGCEV’s mission centers on helping youth build brighter futures through programs that promote academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. The mission pairs perfectly with financial education, which gives kids a foundation to make smart choices and feel empowered about their future.
The financial fair
For SELCO, joining forces with BGCEV each summer is about inspiring curiosity with the youth. We felt there was no better way to celebrate the end of the financial education week than by hosting a fair for the kids at both Eugene clubs.
At the beginning of the fair, each kid received a SELCO Financial Education Fair passport with the mission to collect a stamp at each station. The station the kids visited each had a unique and simple, hands-on financial lesson, allowing the kids to explore real world scenarios. Our team members guided each activity, coaching the kids every step of the way.
Among the most popular stations was the Human Calculator. It featured a large, human-sized calculator outline that was placed on the ground. This activity required the kids to form pairs to complete the activity. SELCO team member would give the kids a real-world math problem, like calculating how much money they would have left if they went to the store with a certain amount and purchased a couple items worth so and so. One of the participants would solve the math problem on paper, while the other jumped from number to number on the life-sized calculator placed on the ground to input the answer.
Shining stars
Once each kid completed their passport, they received a certificate in recognition of their participation and effort. And there’s more—SELCO brought an ice cream truck on-site to each of the clubs and threw the kids an ice cream celebration. The children’s smiles lasted throughout the whole afternoon.
The financial fair was wrapped up with the sound of kids chatting over ice cream. They could be seen comparing flavors while still managing to run around even after a day full of movement. For some of the youth, it was their first time learning about financial literacy, making the experience especially meaningful for the SELCO team members who volunteered.
Why SELCO Steps Up
Moments like this embody the heart of community partnership—meeting people—kids included, right where they are. We’re proud to support the BGCEV and what they do to help develop the minds of tomorrow.
Published July 17, 2025
