YouthBuild students mentor young builders during annual Construction Camp
Pictured above are the campers, YouthBuild leaders and trainers who participated in Construction Camp. They are Wyatt Downey, James Evans, Kai Lacey, KyAire London, William McClellan, Jah’sten Parker, Carleione Pittman, Ivory Sanders, Elizabeth Van Deven, Landen Clark, Tom Dooley, Max Fickle, Dallas Hornsby, Will Lunaporto, Hunter Rezabik, Torrin Shaw, Tyler Spratley, Kevin Stark and Trainer Darryl McElroy. (Photo provided by L&C Marketing & PR)
Twelve area youth spent four days learning construction skills and creating hands-on projects during Lewis and Clark Community College’s annual Construction Camp, hosted June 8-11 through the college’s Adult Education program at the Scott Bibb Center.
Campers, ages 12-15, worked alongside nine YouthBuild AmeriCorps student leaders in the construction shop, receiving one-on-one instruction while building a variety of projects. Throughout the week, participants constructed wooden mancala games, bags games, flower boxes, folder organizers and tic-tac-toe games. They also assembled marshmallow blasters using PVC pipe.
The camp concluded with a marshmallow tag capture-the-flag competition, giving campers the opportunity to put their creations to use while celebrating the end of the week.
The annual camp was made possible through a partnership with Madison County Employment & Training.
Director of Pathway Resource Development Sabrina Davis credited the program’s trainers for making the week a success.
“Construction Trainers Jeremy Elledge, Mitch Fletcher and Darryl McElroy have been instrumental in planning, preparing and organizing this camp with the YouthBuild students and are integral to the success of our construction training program,” Davis said.
In addition to teaching basic construction techniques, the camp provided leadership opportunities for YouthBuild students, who served as mentors and instructors throughout the week.
YouthBuild Student Leader Tyler Spratley said working with the campers was both enjoyable and rewarding.
“The campers were great to work with, and it was fun helping them learn to build their projects,” Spratley said. “It was rewarding to experience what it’s like to be an instructor and develop my leadership skills.”
YouthBuild Student Leader Dallas Hornsey said the camp offered young participants a chance to discover new abilities.
“I like having the opportunity to teach the campers something they didn’t know how to do,” Hornsey said. “This camp gives them an opportunity to learn new skills and learn how to use tools.”
LC’s Construction Camp is designed to introduce young people to careers in the skilled trades while providing YouthBuild participants with valuable teaching and leadership experience.
The college’s Adult Education program offers free services to eligible individuals seeking to improve basic academic skills, prepare for high school diploma testing, learn English as a second language, or pursue career training opportunities. Through YouthBuild, participants gain workforce skills, leadership experience and industry-recognized credentials while preparing for employment and further education.
Founded in 1970, Lewis and Clark Community College serves more than 11,000 credit and noncredit students annually. With campuses and community education centers throughout the district, the college is committed to providing affordable, accessible and high-quality educational opportunities that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
For more information about YouthBuild AmeriCorps and other programs offered through LC’s Adult Education program, call (618) 468-4141 or visit www.lc.edu/adult-education.html.
