Summer Manufacturing Camps Inspire Students and Parents

The goal of having a camp in every state appears more attainable as 65 camps took place across the U.S. this summer. Hundreds of students toured local companies, learned how to use new tools, and made take-home projects with the skills they honed during camp. Getting more students involved in manufacturing processes and having hands-on experiences are only two of the goals for students at summer camps.

Parents want their children to have fun while learning. Students want to use equipment they’ve never used before. Camp instructors want to teach students how a manufacturing career can feel, and show them what it can look like. And camp directors not only want the whole process to run smoothly, but they enlist area businesses to give tours and seek financial assistance to keep the camps going. It’s a big order to fill, but community colleges and technical schools are stepping up to the plate and hitting it out of the park.

Post-camp note from a student:

“My brother and I are eternally grateful for all the things we did at the robotics camp. I learned something valuable every day. I think I will be strongly considering a career in manufacturing/engineering because of you. Thank you!”
(Hillsborough Community College (Brandon), Tampa, Fla.)

Feedback from father of 12-year-old twin boys:

“They wouldn’t stop talking about it! They were up early, every morning—they couldn’t wait to get here!”
(Robots, Machines & Making Things, Manatee Technical College, Bradenton, Fla.)

Here’s what camp directors had to say about camp experiences…

“This type of camp is needed in every community where manufacturing is one of the largest industries. Middle school age boys and girls should be introduced to the advanced manufacturing field. We hope attitudes and mindsets will change about advanced manufacturing in our area. Hopefully, the students that are in our camp will choose jobs in the manufacturing field where there is a high demand. Be determined to implement a similar camp in your community and partner with a local college and local manufacturers. It takes a great team to pull it off. It’s a valuable workforce development tool.”
(Itawamba Community College, Belden, Miss.)

“The camp may have been a bit too successful—several students said they wanted to quit school to enroll in welding at MTC. One student said, ‘I got to experience things I never would have otherwise’.”
(Manatee Technical College, Bradenton Fla.)

“We love working with students and seeing their creative ‘light’ turn on, then watching them learn to look at things differently. Seeing how a product goes from an idea to product (and all the steps in between) and watching the students figure it out on their own. I’m happy to report that the number of females attending our manufacturing camps doubled from 2015 to 2016, and we grew that number by another 38% this summer (from 4 to 8 to 11).”
(Ranken Technical College, St Louis, Mo.)

“We had three unexpected successes of the program: a student who decided to dual enroll at the college after the camp; the program was featured by Lake County Economic Development as a part of their Summer of Tech promotion; LSSC will host a regional robotics competition in the fall semester.” (Lake-Sumter State College, Leesburg, Fla.)

“What an amazing experience for the youth in our community! Our local manufacturing partners have recognized the need to build a quality workforce by reaching out to area students. The students who are attending the summer camps are exposed to an industry that remains a mystery to most in the community. These students can see that manufacturing is safe, and clean, and can lead to a good career.”
(Zane State College, Cambridge, Ohio)

You can help to get a camp started in your area. All it takes is the willingness to hold a summer camp and an application from the perspective community college or technical school. Share this link with a school that you know has a program in metal fabrication, welding, manufacturing engineering technology, shop facilities, or a comparable curriculum.

Applications are due by Dec. 1.