MAGIC (Mentoring A Girl in Construction) Camp is a week-long day camp for girls 15-17 that gives them exposure to various career options in construction.
Girls are exposed to skilled trade opportunities such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and masonry. Along with hands-on demonstrations, the girls will learn about various career options from guest speakers, representing all areas of the industry.
2011 Magic Camp
Mentoring A Girl In Construction Camp is a Success!
The Lansing NAWIC Chapter’s first MAGIC Camp was a total success. Seventeen high schools girls ages 13-17 participated in exploring construction career paths through site visits and hands-on experiences.
The Camp started on Monday, June 20, 2011, and ran through Friday, June 24, 2011, at Lansing Community College, West Campus from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Camp was free, transportation accommodations were provided along with snacks and lunches. MaryEllen Brocklehurst, Camp Coordinator, and Peggy McDonnell, Assistant Camp Coordinator, from Eaton ISD were there every day to guide the girls through all the events that included:
Monday, June 20
Careers in construction were presented and discussed by NAWIC members. Campers met Kathi Dobson, Safety Director of Alberici Constructors, who came dressed as Rosie the Riveter and talked on the history of working women in the US. Then Kathi addressed the importance of safety in the construction industry. Cheryl Hughes, owner of C & D Hughes Construction Inc, told of how she became a business owner through hard work and perseverance. The girls went on a field trip to a renovated Land Bank Home and then to see the new rhino exhibit at Potter Park.
Tuesday, June 21
Campers learned the basics of carpentry from carpenter Alicia Bleil, who has worked with Habitat for Humanity for many years. The girls assemble a wooden toolbox by using power tools: saw, drill and sander. The girls found the hardest skill was pounding a straight nail that didn’t bend or come out the side of their toolboxes.
Wednesday, June 22
Campers learned the basics of electricity from licensed master electrician, Deanna Haneski, former electrical instructor at LCC. Campers tested basic wiring techniques for light bulbs, ringers and buzzers. Their project was assembling a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter). Lawrence Hidalgo, Apprentice Coordinator for the IBEW, talked about the advantages of apprenticeship and the requirements for the electrical apprentice program.
Thursday, June 23
Campers learned the basics of welding from a certified welder Cathie Lindquist. The girls’ activities included learning to use a cutting torch and welding. Their project was welding a decorative iron flower usable in a flower bed.
Friday, June 22
Campers headed to the Michigan Brick Layers Association where they learned to lay tile and assembled a chess board of black and white tiles. Apprentice Coordinator Howard Hipes gave a tour of the training center and spoke on how to get into the apprentice program. At AIS Equipment, the girls received a complete tour of the AIS facility and training site. Campers were thrilled to have a chance to operate a backhoe. Campers then went on for some famous Deluca’s Pizza and concluded with a closing ceremony at LCC West Campus. Many parents were on hand to watch the girls reflect on their experiences, receive their completion certificates and official Tomboy Took kids. A MAGIC Camp power point presentation featuring the girls at work was a lot of fun to watch.
At the close of every day, the girls wrote down their reflections, many of which were read the next day. Their responses were encouraging: I helped someone use the drill and Everybody helped me with my tool box; I can’t wait till tomorrow; This is (camp) so cool. I could be an electrician; I’ve made a new, best friend; Maybe I will become an engineer; and many more equally engaging responses.
Right from the beginning, there was a great spirit of support, a readiness to explore and a ‘we can do it’ attitude. Every day you could see the young ladies blossom, overcome shyness, reach out to someone; shake off personal problems, smile instead of frown, and most importantly –grow empowered.
NAWIC members participating in MAGIC Camp included: Traci Brower, Kathi Dobson (Detroit), Mary Finch, Jane M Smith and Barbara Strachan. MAGIC Camp was facilitated by a partnership with NAWIC, Eaton Intermediate School District (ISD) and Lansing Community College. Donations by Clark Construction, AGC of Michigan and Laborers and Employers Cooperation Education and Training (LECET) were greatly appreciated.
Be sure to check out photos of the event!