S-5! Sponsors the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls in Northeast Ohio

S-5! sponsored the recent Let’s Build Construction Camp (LBCC INC) for Girls in Canfield, Ohio. This five-day summer camp is designed for girls ages 12-17 to explore the world of construction and learn a variety of career pathways within the skilled trades.

The LBCC partners with unions and trade associations and is run through the generosity of volunteers, mentors and sponsors, offering the camp free of charge. As a premier sponsor, S-5! proudly contributed towards essential operating costs, which included insurance, transportation, construction materials, tool bags, signage and food and beverage. Additionally, S-5! donated its PVKIT direct-attach, rail-less solar mounting system for the rooftop solar installation workshop.

Shelly Higgins, S-5!’s Architectural & National Accounts Director is the founder and director of the program. She explains, “Our mission is to encourage young women to consider careers in architecture, engineering, manufacturing or construction trades through education, hands-on experiences, interactive discussions, mentoring and field trips.”

Just as tool bags and materials are essential to these training environments, so too is the need for durable and versatile storage options that support safety and preparedness on the job. Whether in a construction setting, a field trip, or a hands-on workshop, having the right gear can make all the difference. This is where medical backpacks come into play—they’re engineered to carry essential supplies, withstand rugged use, and organize tools or first aid materials in a way that’s both accessible and efficient.

For educational programs like LBCC and beyond, these kinds of backpacks provide not only practical support but also help instill a mindset of readiness and professionalism in participants as they step into roles once unfamiliar to them.

Kayla Kushner, a high school freshman from Springfield, Ohio, spent time on framing, electrical wiring, waterproofing, shingling, welding and installing solar panels. “My favorite part was learning all about construction, meeting other people and working as a team on projects,” said Kushner. “I was most surprised about how easy framing was—once you measure and cut everything—it was easy to put it all together. It’s provided me with skills for later in life. I am thinking about how I can continue learning construction skills through my high school’s program.”

Seventh-grader Olivia Vonderau from Youngstown, Ohio, discovered the camp through her math teacher. Olivia enjoys DIY projects around the house. She said, “I really liked nailing the shingles on the roof; it was like a puzzle, taking measurements, placing them in the right order, and nailing them down.”

Lillian (Lew) Clowser, an eighth-grader from Boardman, Ohio, appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities. “Building takes a lot of physical work, but at the end of the day you are left with an end-product, so it is worth it,” said Clowser. “The volunteers are knowledgeable, and it’s easy to ask for help.”

This sponsorship is part of S-5!’s ongoing commitment to giving back, focused on making a positive impact in the industry by leveraging expertise, financial support and quality products for educational initiatives. Last year, S-5! sponsored the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design students for their annual design-build project.

“We are delighted to support this camp, especially led by one of our own, to provide valuable educational experiences for young women and to encourage them to consider the trades as a viable and rewarding career path,” said Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!

As LBCC wraps up its third summer, plans are underway for 2025, and Higgins invites other industry professionals to join by volunteering or sponsoring. LBCC INC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

For more information about LBCC INC, visit www.letsbuild.camp.

For more information about S-5!, visit www.S-5.com.