At 9 a.m. on a Monday in July, a fair share of high school students are still in bed, and others are on their way to a summer job or maybe even on vacation with their families.

But Monday, about 20 teens will begin a three-hour class on "break even analysis and cost estimation."

These students have signed on to Duquesne University's week-long Accounting Summer Camp where, in addition to financial concepts that would likely make the average high schooler shudder, they'll have opportunities to mingle with accounting professionals, tour Downtown businesses and brush up on college application processes and admission test skills.

But the camp isn't just for students who are considering a career in accounting. There will be seminars on personal budgeting and white collar crime, as well as opportunities to work on writing skills, said Valerie Williams, assistant professor of accounting at Duquesne and the camp director.

One afternoon is planned around a team-building exercise that includes the Just Ducky Tour that travels through local streets and on rivers.

"My teacher gave me a brochure on the camp and that [tour] really sparked my interest," admits Kara Young, 17, of Cranberry.

She started high school three years ago with aspirations to become an attorney. But in a business dynamics class in ninth grade at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, she discovered she had a knack -- and a passion -- for accounting.

Stacy Innerst, Post-Gazette

Click photo for larger image.

Cost of the camp is $250 including breakfast, lunch and all activities. Registration will be accepted through Monday morning by calling 412-396-5832.

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Combine her interest in business with the hands-on experience she's had helping with administrative work at two day-care centers her mother owns, and Kara seems a natural candidate for the Duquesne camp.

"I want to major in accounting or business and possibly go to law school. I've always thought about being a corporate attorney," she said.

Danny Hickton, 15, of Thornburg, isn't thinking about a business career but will attend the accounting camp anyway.

The incoming sophomore at Central Catholic High School learned about it from his 15-year-old cousin in Buffalo, N.Y., who is looking at Duquesne as a possible college.

"My parents and his parents encouraged us ... about the importance of business," he said.

So his cousin, Eric Sepanski, of Canisius High School in Buffalo, will spend next week in Pittsburgh to attend the camp with Danny and get a look at Duquesne.

"I want to be a doctor," said Danny. "But it gives me something to do during the summer."

His usual routine? "I wake up, play some golf and go to hockey practice if there's a team practice."

Kara, who earns money by baby-sitting, said she won't miss out on typical summer activities while attending accounting camp.

"It sounds like fun. And I have a pool at my house."

First Published: July 6, 2007, 12:30 a.m.