Youth Construction Camp Inspires Next Generation of Leaders

Three dozen middle and high school students from around Arizona discovered the joy of building at a free weeklong construction camp where they used professional power tools and learned from industry professionals. For the second year in a row, The Rosendin Foundation, hosted TRF Camp Build, bringing together local construction companies and volunteers to educate and support campers.

TRF Camp Build, held June 3-7 at the Phoenix Electrical Training Alliance included hands-on building projects, career exploration and a field trip to the UA Local 469’s training facility.

Under expert supervision, rising 7th-10th grade students learned specialized construction skills that they can apply throughout their lives including concrete pouring, rebar work, soldering, welding, conduit bending, framing, woodworking and painting. Part of the instruction included the importance of personal safety, heavy equipment operation, and building with BIM and VR technology.

Campers enjoyed working in teams of three to four to build and paint dog houses or build and stain bookcases. At the end of the week, they donated the completed dog houses and bookcases to local dog shelters and Chicanos Por La Causa.

The new builders came from all across the state to be part of the camp, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Eloy, Maricopa and Flagstaff. Ten of the campers had attended TRF Camp Build in 2023 and returned to learn advanced skills similar to the second year of a DOL indentured apprenticeship program.

Volunteers played a big role, serving as instructors and foremen to supervisor the crews of campers, as well as providing information about what a career in the construction industry might look like. Their guidance was essential to helping the experiential building camp to carry out its mission to positively impact the community, build and empower people and inspire innovation.