Earlier in June, Women Empower(her) camps took place at Minnesota North, Hibbing and Eveleth college campuses.
These camps serve purpose through empowering young girls, ages 14 - 17 to try out the trades. Angela, who is the director of the Women Empower(her) said, “This is the third year we have been able to provide these camps for young girls. In the future, we are hoping to provide additional classes to adult women to come in and try something new that they may have never gotten a chance to before. We are also looking to spread to more schools and locations to allow more opportunities to girls in surrounding areas.”
The Eveleth camp lasted a week long with no class Wednesday in observance of Juneteenth. On Friday, the group took a tour at one of the local industries. The camps are free, plus t-shirts and lunch are provided.
On the first day of camp, students created music with a breadboard and wires. On the second day, students were able to cut designs out of metal. On Thursday, the girls welded mushrooms. Many of the girls were confident and excited to weld. One of the girls in particular, made a caterpillar using washers and screws. “I love doing this, it is cool to make different designs,” one of the young girls stated. This was all of the girls' first time welding.
The welding instructor also explained that, “Most of the girls in shop classes get made fun of or pushed out of the way. That is why I love these camps as it allows these girls to come out and explore the trades while being comfortable to try out new things. I was also that girl when I was young, I was shy and I let the boys push me out of the way.”
The Women Empower(her) camps were a great success. Some of the girls participated in both camps and attended the camp in Grand Rapids at the Forge, June 24th - 28th.
Most Popular
Comments / 0