AUBURN- Maine's credit unions helped "pump-up" the money management minds of 150 high school juniors during the first ever Financial Fitness Money Management Experience Event. Students from six high schools participated in the three-hour event. Created as a unique and fun experience for high school juniors, the Financial Fitness Money Management Experience provided each participant with a scenario packet of their life at age 22, including their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students had to map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing their food and clothing. Students were selected to participate in this event by their teachers based on their experience with financial goal setting. Students were also required to visit each of the event's eleven booths manned by some 50 fifty volunteers from credit unions and other organizations who served as "coaches". "The junior year is an opportune time to start learning `real life' financial responsibility," said Maine Credit Union League Governmental/ Public Affairs Manager Jon Paradise. "This event was about helping teenagers realize that the financial decisions they make now can affect their futures. Based on the feedback that many of the kids provided, this was an eye-opening experience and, hopefully, will enable them to become financially successful and savvy adults." Plans are underway to hold Financial Fitness events in multiple locations in the state next year. Representatives from the Norm Nolette Chapter of Credit Unions, Maine CUL, the Maine Council on Economic Education and Central Maine Community College organized the event.