Building the Future: How CampBUILD Empowers Girls to Break Barriers and Master Power Tools
What happens when you give a girl a hammer, a saw, and the confidence to build her future? At CampBUILD, we're finding out!
At Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland, we’re dedicated to helping girls discover new possibilities and unlock their full potential. CampBUILD, launched in 2019 at Madison College, is a unique program that introduces girls to the building trades through hands-on experiences. Here, girls are not only learning new skills—they’re breaking barriers and stepping boldly into fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented.
Co-founded by long-time Badgerland Girl Scout employee Eliza Zimmerman and commercial carpenter and educator Sandy Thistle, CampBUILD is more than just a summer camp. It’s a space where girls can wield tools that turn ideas into reality, gain confidence, and build a foundation for their future.
Sandy, who brings her own experience in the trades to the program, shares why this work is so important: “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to open the door wider for those who have been excluded from this field. For me and many women, the trades were an arena we were told ‘girls don’t do this.’ CampBUILD changes that narrative.”
And change it does! Each day at CampBUILD is filled with activities that inspire and challenge. Younger girls might start by crafting their first wooden creations, their faces lighting up with pride as they see their projects take shape. Older girls dive into more advanced tasks, mastering tools like circular saws and drills with the guidance of professional volunteers, including architects, engineers, and builders. These mentors not only share their expertise but also inspire the girls to envision a future where they can achieve anything.
“The camp motto is ‘Be safe, Have fun,’” Sandy explains. “Safety is the priority, and the girls excel at it. I’ve watched middle schoolers handle power tools with more focus and precision than some of my adult students! They listen, follow the rules, and support each other. That teamwork and focus create an incredible recipe for success.”
CampBUILD isn’t just about teaching girls how to build structures; it’s about building futures full of possibilities. Whether these Girl Scouts choose careers in the trades or apply their new skills in other areas of their lives, they’re learning to solve problems, work as a team, and push their limits in ways they never imagined. Lisa Smith, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland, is thrilled by the transformation she sees: “It’s amazing to witness their determination and enthusiasm as they tackle challenges head-on and support each other every step of the way. These Girl Scouts are learning more than just how to build—they're building confidence and essential life skills!”
As CampBUILD continues to grow, so too does the next generation of fearless women builders, engineers, and innovators. Together, we’re not just building structures—we’re building a world where girls can truly do anything. And we can’t wait to see what they’ll create next!
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