The eighth annual Lehigh Valley Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls was held this summer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. ATAS has been a supporter of this camp from the beginning, with monetary and material donations, along with several employees who helped in the planning and execution of the camp. The company also supported the third annual camp in northeast Ohio and the second annual camp in Phoenix.

Let’s Build is a free, week-long camp designed for middle and high school-age girls to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering and construction materials manufacturing through hands-on experiences and field trips. As part of this year’s curriculum at the Lehigh Valley camp, the girls learned how to install standing-seam metal roofing and metal wall cladding. As a new activity this year, the campers made a metal bird feeder while learning how to operate a metal brake. The bird feeders were made from aluminum donated by ATAS and were in the red and teal colors of the camp’s logo. The girls took their feeders home at the end of the week as a memento of their camp experience. ATAS technical service advisor Tim Coughlan, CAD draftsman Kevin Klersy, and inside technical salespeople Julie Wheeland and Tyler Csanadi acted as instructors this year.

For the northeast Ohio camp, the girls learned how to install standing-seam metal roofing and metal shingles. ATAS’s Coughlan and Midwest District sales manager Dave Willard volunteered as instructors for the camp. The Phoenix campers also learned how to install metal roofing and toured ATAS’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona. ATAS inside technical salesperson Kristee Day, office service assistant Missy Wright and plant manager Jason Kroboth helped with the tour.

Throughout the week, the campers learn many skills, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, tiling, painting, flooring and window installation. The field trips allow them to visit the offices of an architect and/or contractor, a job site or a building products manufacturing facility. In the past, campers have learned how metal roofing, metal wall cladding, cabinetry, millwork and industrial valves are made.

Photo courtesy of ATAS International

“Although I’m involved in several trade associations and events throughout the year, the Let’s Build Camp is always a favorite,” stated Lee Ann M. Slattery, sales support manager for ATAS and a director on the board of the Lehigh Valley Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. “It’s so rewarding to be part of something that not only teaches girls some important life skills, whether they pursue a career in our industry or not, but also, and more importantly, helps to build their confidence. Some of the campers start the week a bit shy and unsure, but most end the week excited and energized, embracing what they’ve learned and the friendships they’ve formed. One of the highlights of the week is when campers wire a wall light within the structure they have built. When they flip the switch and the bulb lights up, they are amazed that they made that happen. Another highlight is the end of camp celebration, when their family members come to camp to view the structures their girls have built.”

ATAS looks forward to its continued involvement and support of the Let’s Build camps. With workforce development being a concern for many local employers, events like this are important to build awareness of fulfilling careers within the design, construction and manufacturing industries.