Michigan Schools and Government CU (MSGCU) recently honored Morgan Freshney and her brother, Dawson Freshney, as its 100,000th and 100,001st members. From left are Darius Mikalonis, MSGCU branch manager; Kirsten Poreda, assistant branch manager; Morgan Freshney; Pete Gates, president/CEO; Dawson Freshney; Jacki Bretz; and Stefanie Throckmorton, member service representatives (Michigan Schools and Government CU Photo).

Credit unions across the country have embraced the jungle-inspired “Wild About Saving” theme of National Credit Union Youth Month, which promotes the importance of financial responsibility by offering children and teens a chance to win free adventures to area zoos, aquariums, museums, and more.

“Youth Month is all about getting children and their parents excited—maybe even a little wild—about savings,” says Karina Garcia of $1.4 billion asset CFE Federal Credit Union in Lake Mary, Fla., who submitted this year’s winning theme.

National Credit Union Youth Month, held throughout April, gives credit unions a platform to connect with their young members and instill solid money management concepts. The event, created and managed by CUNA, has become an extended celebration from previous years, when activities were condensed into one week.

“By starting youth on the right path towards saving goals and financial education, Youth Month helps credit unions build strong, lifelong relationships with their members,” says Joanne Sepich, CUNA’s youth month coordinator.

Here’s how some these credit unions are celebrating Youth Month:

• Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, $1.5 billion assets, Clinton Township, honored Morgan Freshney and her brother, Dawson, who became the credit union’s 100,000th and 100,001st members.

• NW Plus Credit Union, $157 million assets, Everett, Wash., offers a year-long family pass to the Woodland Park Zoo to anyone under 18 who opens a savings account.

• Holy Rosary Credit Union, $207 million assets, Rochester, N.Y., encourages youngsters to visit the branch and pick up a coloring contest entry form. Those who submit entries will be eligible to win prizes that include museum passes and gift cards.

• Clearview Federal Credit Union, $950 million assets, Moon Township, Pa., gives young members a chance to win four tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium just by visiting a branch.

• Envista Credit Union, $265 million assets, Topeka, Kan., will award nine $25 Toys R Us gift cards and other giveaway items to winners of a contest rewarding youngsters who visit a branch.

In addition to the prizes individual credit unions offer, young members can register for the National Youth Saving Challenge™ and a chance at winning one of 25 $100 prizes.