Piggy banks and allowance jars are just the beginning. At Everence Federal Credit Union's Youth Savings Celebration, children will discover that learning about money can be as much fun as a road trip, complete with scavenger hunts, crafts and adventures that teach the value of saving.

"At Everence Federal Credit Union, we are committed to helping young people develop essential financial skills," said Emily Miller, market relationship manager. "Through Youth Savings Celebration and our larger Youth Program, children and teens can learn budgeting, saving and even investing so they can make informed financial decisions both now and in the future - all while enjoying exclusive perks offered by Everence along the way."

The Youth Savings Celebration will be held at the credit union's Mount Joy, Lititz, Ephrata and Lancaster locations on Monday, Aug. 3, through Wednesday, Aug. 5. Hours vary by branch, but activities will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 962 E. Main St., Mount Joy, and daily 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz.

The event features opportunities for children up to age 18 to learn about a variety of financial topics.

"We've hosted a family-focused youth event for more than 10 years," Miller said. "Each year features a new theme and activities designed to get kids and teens excited about saving. One of my favorite parts is asking young members what they're saving for - you hear everything from a trip or vacation to a bike or college."

This year's theme centers around road trips.

"We have a variety of fun crafts and activities for kids to do at the branch," Miller remarked. "This includes creating their own 'Journey Journal' with coloring, stickers, stamps, and they can even print out their own passport-style photo to include in it. There will also be a 'Road Map Scavenger Hunt' around the branch where kids can try to locate different USA landmarks and answer some trivia questions about those locations."

Youths can also pick up a "Choose Your Own Adventure Trip to Yellowstone" booklet where they can make decisions and work through the basics of balancing a budget for a fictional trip to Yellowstone National Park, she said, adding, "Our branches will also have a coloring contest, guessing game and more."

Miller noted that the Youth Savings Celebration is meant to set kids on a path to making smart money decisions.

"Kids begin learning about money at a young age, often through media messages that don't always reflect real-life financial decisions. We also know that many of the most important money lessons happen at home, and Everence can help support those conversations," she explained. "Through Youth Savings Celebration, we provide families with fun, practical resources, tools and activities that encourage children to talk about saving, spending and giving with the adults they trust, whether that is their family or with our friendly Everence branch team."

She encourages anyone with kids or teens to come out for the celebration.

"If you want to start meaningful money conversations with your children or teens, this event is a great place to begin," she said. "Youth Savings Celebration helps make saving and finances fun and tangible as young members see their deposits grow over time through their Youth Savings accounts."

To learn more about the celebration, visit http://www.everence.com/landing-pages/banking/youth-savings-celebration.