S-5! recently sponsored the Let’s Build Construction Camp (LBCC) for Girls in Canfield, Ohio. This five-day summer camp is designed for girls ages 12-17 to explore the world of construction and learn a variety of career pathways within the skilled trades.
The LBCC partners with unions and trade associations and is run through the generosity of volunteers, mentors, and sponsors, offering the camp free of charge. As a premier sponsor, S-5! contributed towards operating costs, which included insurance, transportation, construction materials, tool bags, signage, and food and beverage. Additionally, S-5! donated a solar mounting system for the rooftop solar installation workshop.
Shelly Higgins, S-5!’s architectural and national accounts director, is the founder and director of the program. “Our mission is to encourage young women to consider careers in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, or construction trades through education, hands-on experiences, interactive discussions, mentoring, and field trips,” she explains.
Kayla Kushner, a high school freshman from Springfield, Ohio, spent time on framing, electrical wiring, waterproofing, shingling, welding, and installing solar panels. “My favorite part was learning all about construction, meeting other people, and working as a team on projects,” says Kushner. “I am thinking about how I can continue learning construction skills through my high school’s program.”
Olivia Vonderau, a seventh-grade student from Youngstown, Ohio, discovered the camp through her math teacher. Vonderau enjoys DIY projects around the house.
Lillian (Lew) Clowser, an eighth grader from Boardman, Ohio, appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities. “Building takes a lot of physical work, but at the end of the day you are left with an end-product, so it is worth it,” says Clowser. “The volunteers are knowledgeable, and it’s easy to ask for help.”
This sponsorship is part of S-5!’s ongoing commitment to giving back to local communities. Last year, S-5! sponsored University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design students for their annual design-build project.
“We are delighted to support this camp, especially led by one of our own, to provide valuable educational experiences for young women and to encourage them to consider the trades as a viable and rewarding career path,” says Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!
As LBCC wraps up its third summer, plans are underway for 2025, and Higgins invites other industry professionals to join by volunteering or sponsoring. For more information, visit letsbuild.camp
