The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition held the inaugural Construction Summer Camp for middle school girls July 22-26 at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center in Gansevoort, NY.
All week long campers had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and learn how math, technology, science, and design apply to construction. Some of the many activities and builds the girls engaged were: toolbox build, sawhorses, Pallette tour of their asphalt plant and stone quarry, Witt Construction tour of two homes under construction, building a geometric puzzle, charcuterie board, and Viking chairs. Each day the skills were more advanced and built upon what they learned from the previous days’ lessons. Their final project was a vertical garden build. The week culminated with the Construction Olympics.
"By collaborating with local schools, businesses, and legislators, we wanted parents to know that the trades are a viable and rewarding career option for the next generation," said Doug Ford, the president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition.
“I loved building all the projects. My favorite one was building the Viking chairs because we learned to use the jigsaw,” said Maddyn Stanton, a 7th grade student from South Glens Falls.
Gabriella Keefe, an incoming freshman at Corinth High School said she was happy that she was able to meet new people.
“I recommend trying new things and finding new subjects that you like. The vertical garden build was my favorite part,” said Gabriella.
Gabriella also participated in the WSWHE BOCES Women in Trades event last fall where she explored auto body repair and welding.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who was instrumental in starting the camp with the coalition, was at the closing celebration.
“It is so important to experience the trades and learn what they are all about. You are the pipeline for our building trades, for the young women in our community,” said Woerner.
“You are trailblazers,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, who was also in attendence. Assemblywoman Walsh also noted that she has obtained funding to help support future Women In Trades efforts through WSWHE BOCES.