SkillsUSA Serves: YMCA Firebox Build

We began our day with a safety meeting and an understanding of the task. Our goal: to build two additional firewood boxes for YMCA Camp Kon-0-Kwee and Spencer.

We split into two teams: the Assembly Team and the Measure Twice/Cut Once team. The first team began to put together the first box with the pre-cut wood while the second learned measuring skills and power-tool safety.

Soon, members from the Lawrence County CTC Chapter of SkillsUSA -- comprised of students from cosmetology, electrical occupations, health assistant, machine tool tech, oil and gas, vet assistant, and welding -- went to work.

Most had never experienced a need to hold a tape measure, a drill, or a chop saw, but all were willing to learn and share in the fun! Electrical Occupation junior considers her time through service as she says, “We all got along taking turns with the power tools.” And before lunch arrived, the teams had run out of wood to cut and assemble -- completing FOUR total firewood boxes and leaving cut wood and frames, ready for the next team of builders.

Veteran SkillsUSA member, Makenzie Clark (Health Assistant junior) shares, “Camp kon-o-kwee provided a great opportunity for us to practice leadership and teamwork. We really enjoy giving back to others; it’s hard work, but we always have fun while doing it!”

"Our time at the camp gave us a great opportunity to take the initiative to come together and really put our communication and teamwork skills to action to help others,” states Anna-Hawk (Veterinary Assistant junior).

Hawk shared that there is great joy in working as a team to complete a project that will make a difference and reminds us of this year’s chapter theme: “We don’t do this because we have to — We do it because we want to!”

To Tim and the crew at Kon-o-Kwee, the LCCTC SkillsUSA members would like to, once again, thank them for trusting them to help at the camp, for their generosity for hosting breakfast and lunch, and for their support and encouragement of Career and Technical Education and SkillsUSA! SkillsUSA truly appreciates their partnership and looks forward to helping in the future!