Hands-On Learning at the NRV Future Builders Academy

The first NRV Future Builders Academy Carpentry Camp is a wrap, and what a great week it was!

Thirteen students joined us for a week of learning, building, and getting a closer look at the construction industry. The week started with jobsite safety and tool overviews before students headed out to see the industry in action. They toured new apartments, visited Stateson Homes’ Westhill development, and learned how homes are built from foundation to finished product.

Back in the classroom, students put what they learned into practice. They measured, cut materials, and worked together to build three mini structures. Along the way, they also heard from the Virginia Tech Facilities Department about apprenticeship and internship opportunities in the trades.

By the end of the week, each student had completed their project, earned a certificate, and received their very own starter tool kit to take home. The kids were fantastic all week and eager to learn, and it was exciting to watch their confidence grow as they worked with tools and saw their structures come together.

This free camp would not have been possible without so many great partners. Build Smart Institute provided instruction and projects and was with the students all week. Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley provided the camp location, and Virginia Housing provided the funding to ensure the camp was free for students.

Thank you to SAS Builders and Stateson Homes for opening their job sites to the group; Nancy with Legacy Builders NRV and Brooke and Adam with Costen Floors Inc. for supporting the site tours; and Jacob with Costen Floors, David with ReDeck Virginia, Travis with Gutter Works, Sierra with Foresight Design Services, Wes with Setter Construction, LLC, and George with Slate Creek Builders, LLC for volunteering their time during the hands-on builds.

A special thank you as well to Virginia Career Works New River/Mount Rogers Region, Capps Home Building Center, New River Valley Building Supply, Baseline Solar Solutions, Blue Ridge Design Build, SAS Builders, Legacy Builders NRV, Inc., Yoder Custom Homes, and Real Property Management Insight for helping make the students’ starter tool kits possible.

Thank you to everyone for helping make the first NRV Future Builders Academy such a success. We can't wait to see what these future builders do next!

Learn more about the NRV Future Builders Academy at https://www.nrvhba.com/future-builders-academy-carpentry-camp/.

Learn more about the Building Futures Foundation at www.buildingfuturesnrv.org.