STEM Kids Day Camp: Blythe Construction Teaches Children about Construction
In response to a recent company-wide “Innovation Day,” Blythe Construction was charged with coming up with creative ideas on how to engage the future generations in the field of construction. Challenge accepted: Blythe hosted its first annual STEM Kids day camp on June 29 at the company’s Charlotte headquarters. Intended to educate the next generation on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as it relates to Blythe’s business focus – highway and bridge construction – the camp was designed for children ages 4-10 years old.
“We’re so excited to have members finding creative ways to address the workforce shortage head on,” said Carolina AGC’s Bill Stricker, Vice President, Operations & Workforce Development. “The camp’s agenda consisted of a full day of construction scenarios and educational fun. Through the fun activities, the kids learned about roadway structures and different ways to be safe in the summer. We thank Blythe for incorporating CAGC’s Build Your Career (BYC) into this wonderful program.”
A total of 21 children attended the inaugural Blythe STEM Kids camp. The day’s construction-related learning activities included building framework out of toothpicks and marshmallows to replicate the planning and creativity in their design-build structure. They constructed bridges and designed roadways through teamwork and imagination. They also observed a survey drone and learned about its various uses in the industry. They learned about the meaning of traffic signs, and played games to reinforce roadway and summer season safety. (View video on Blythe’s Facebook page).
Blythe Construction Vice President of Construction Brian Webb said, “I am really proud that we were able to organize a program that garnered both the attention and participation of our employees, their children, and the community. We have an expansive knowledge base companywide which enabled our employees to share their construction interests and skills with those in attendance.”
Webb noted that the company plans to make this an annual summer event.
About Blythe Construction: Over the past 97 years, Blythe Construction has supported the Southeast’s rise to prominence with projects ranging from large interstate highways to small commercial site development. Blythe Construction’s list of services include complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying, RAP and hot mix sales, and state-of-the-art bridge building. Partnerships with global transport leaders, including Eurovia (VINCI), have given Blythe access to a network of 330 agencies and 770 production sites across 17 countries around the world, all the while Blythe remains committed to community development.
