THUNDER BAY - Students got the chance to carve out their math skills while learning an important trade at summer camp.
In partner with Carpenters Local 1669, Lakehead Public Schools hosted a three-day carpentry camp for grade six and seven students.
Students applied new and old math skills to build an individual toolbox and a team doghouse.
“It was the most enjoyable part to draw it and see it come to life,” camper Zahraa Al Sumadi said in regards to the doghouse.
In order to put it to good use, Carpenters Local 1669 will donate the doghouse to a local animal shelter.
Although she had never done any carpentry before the camp, Zahraa said her father inspired her new-found interest.
“I got interested when I saw my him make things,” Zahraa said. “It made me feel very inspired in making things myself.”
As bad as summertime math lessons sound to the average student, Zahraa didn’t seem to mind.
“I always loved math but now I can see it in a different way,” she said.
Zahraa was able to blow away some of the supervisors at the camp, including Dave Hakala who said she would “either be designing the buildings, or the doctor that helps us when we’re injured.”
Hakala, who works as the program administrator and developer for Carpenters Training Centre, said that the program is beneficial for the carpentry community as a whole.
“What we find unique about this partnership is that we’re able to expose students at a younger age to the trades,” he said.
“It seems to be at this day and age that trades are moving towards a profession instead of a job, we want to start helping give children an exposure to the trades.”
Hakala was amazed by the students’ initiative when it came to the trade.
“We had students who, at first were afraid to use the tools, by the end they became pretty proficient with them,” Hakala said. “It was unique to see some of them come out of their shell.”
