She Built This City’s Summer Camps: A World of Creativity and Learning in Skilled Trades
She Built This City, a non-profit based in Charlotte, has had a blast this summer partnering with Mecklenburg Parks and Rec, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and Urban Promise for our exciting summer camps. Kids of all ages have been loving the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of construction.
She Built This City’s mission is to provide industry-disruptive programming that sparks interest and builds pathways to lucrative careers in the skilled trades for youth, women, and marginalized communities. Our vision is to dismantle barriers and stigmas in traditionally male-dominated industries through innovative, sustainable practices that prepare us for a future of jobs that have yet to be created.
From building catapults and wooden robots to crafting cell phone holders and pencil holders, the kids’ creativity knows no bounds. They have designed wire suncatchers, small toolboxes, and book boxes, showing off their incredible skills. It’s heartwarming to witness their sense of pride and accomplishment as they finish their projects. Throughout the camps, they have also learned about plumbing and polished their presentation skills by showcasing their creations to their groups. Our unique hands-on build activities and instruction from the SBTC Youth Curriculum have been a hit.
Skills and Education Hand in Hand
The workshops, integrated into existing summer camp schedules, provided a fun and educational experience for up to six weeks. With small one-time builds, kids construct their projects individually with the support of SBTC staff and volunteers. Best of all, they get to take their completed masterpieces home! During the process, we’ve engaged them in conversations about the skilled trades, what the construction industry entails, and the exciting career pathways they can explore in the future. This summer adventure aligns perfectly with the STEAM curriculum, tapping into their creativity while teaching practical skills like using hammers, nails, pliers, and wood glue.
Seeding a Bright Future
SBTC’s goal is to ignite their interest in the skilled trades, opening their eyes to a world of possibilities and opportunities. By combining fun, learning, and creativity, we are sowing the seeds for a bright and promising future. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and join us in building a pathway of success for the next generation!
