Ranger reality day on february 27 & 28

The Benton / West City Area Chamber of Commerce was very excited to partner with the Benton High School to bring a ‘Ranger Games: Reality Day’ to our local students on February 27th & 28th!  This event marks the first year for this project, and we look forward to building on what we have learned to create a more engaging experience between our members/community partners and the residents/consumers of tomorrow!

What is a Reality Day?
It is a fun, interactive “financial literacy” simulation for all high school sophomores to learn the “realities” of life after high school or college.

How does it work?
All 10th grade students completed a career survey and identified a potential occupational area they may be interested in pursuing in their future. The chamber evaluates it and provides the student with a gross monthly income for the exercise. 

Students navigate through the Reality Day booths and manage their personal financial resources to pay for one month of life’s necessities while making choices about what additional products and services to purchase.  Local businesses provide real life product, service and cost information and staff the reality day “stations” (housing, groceries, checking/savings accounts, etc.).

How does the program impact students?  Our goals for the event are:
  • Learn why financial planning skills, goals, and decision making are so important to their futures.
  • Learn the relevance of what has been taught in school, and the impact financial literacy has on their lives.
  • Interact with Benton/West City area businesses & community members.
How can I take part? 
If you are interested in taking part in this year's event, please contact the chamber office at 618-438-2121 or info@bentonwestcitychamber.com.

2018 Event Images

Some images from this year's Ranger Reality Day! Thank you to the Benton High School, Mrs Blackman, and Mrs. Haggerman for partnering with us to provide this experience to your students. We could not have done this event without the volunteerism and generous support from the following chamber members: US Bank, City of Benton, American Family Insurance, Shelter Insurance, WEEKS in Benton, Franklin County Farm Bureau, Peoples National Bank, Edward Jones, Rend Lake College, Benton KOA, Legence Bank, Helia Healthcare of Benton, and Domino's!!

our inspiration

The above video is a Reality Day Event hosted by Bay Port High School and the format is similar to what we are going to do.