06/29/2026
We had the privilege of hosting Let's Build Idaho's very first construction day camp at our Boise office this month, and it's safe to say year one exceeded every expectation.
Over five days, 24 girls ages 8–15 worked alongside experienced volunteers and tradeswomen to build real projects with real tools. Each camper went home with a wagon, a wooden kazoo, a three-legged concrete stool, a riveted water bottle holder, a soldered pendant, and a contractor's clipboard. Together, the group built four benches, which were donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Our own Lilly Johnson, PE, was involved from the beginning, serving on the founding committee and volunteering throughout camp week. Watching her and the other mentors work alongside these girls was a reminder of why closing the skills gap in the trades starts long before the workforce.
These campers used chop saws, drills, soldering irons, and belt sanders. They did hard things. And they left knowing they could.
We're already looking forward to year two.
