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Camp Garney, a free construction camp in Raytown, is giving young women hands-on experience with power tools and projects, while encouraging them to enter the trade industry.
Garney, a water and wastewater contractor, sponsors the two-week event specifically for girls.
On Tuesday, the girls were building picnic benches that will go to their local elementary schools.
"It's an opportunity for us to expose young ladies to the different opportunities that are available in construction," said Christina Lopez, who works in workforce development and community outreach at Garney.
Lopez said there's a need for trade professionals in general, but especially when it comes to getting women in the field. A recent U.S. Department of Commerce report finds women make up only 14% of the construction industry workforce.
"You don't see as many women applying for those jobs," Lopez said. "I don't know if it's that they've been told that they can't do them, or they don't see it as a role for women to take."
Layla Clopton, a Raytown High School student, is partaking in this year's program. She said she enjoys hands-on work and figured she'd try something new.
Clopton said she will leave the camp feeling more confident in herself and her abilities, like when she uses a power saw.
"At first, I thought I was gonna be scared, terrified and all that," Clopton said. "It's easy to use and it's fun."
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