ABOUT CAMP HARD HAT
Camp Hard Hat is a week-long day camp that provides local students ages 12-15 the opportunity to participate in a community-based construction project. Now in its tenth year of operation, Camp Hard Hat has had a tremendous impact on the building trades industry and is a recruitment tool to inspire youth to pursue a career in the skilled trades. What began as two camps, in Genesee and Wyoming County, has expanded to 7 camps for 2024.
Camp courses are taught by BOCES Building Trades instructors, and past Camp Hard Hat graduates. Campers are taught the principle of design and construction, project safety, and the power of teamwork. These skills, along with the hands-on construction, will propel the campers into their future careers.
Camp Hard Hat is able to offer this amazing hands-on experience for youth at just $95/camper.
TESTIMONIALS
Students
“I keep coming back because the teachers are really good, and the pride I feel after completing the project!”
"I love coming to Camp Hard Hat because it allows me to use my hands and learn a new skill not many kids get to learn.”
“The instructors are always so willing to encourage us to try new things and teach us the safe way to do it.”
Sponsors
"We are a proud Camp Hard Hat sponsor. The students get to leave with tools they can use for years to come, a sense of pride in what they've accomplished, and a widened sense of the opportunities available to people within the construction industry.”
“Supporting Camp Hard Hat is supporting the future of our industry and the trades. The earlier we can begin sparking young people’s interest in the trades the better!”
Parents
"Camp Hard Hat gave my child the opportunity to be involved in a hands-on project that taught them practical life skills provided a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the week.”
“Camp Hard Hat provides learning at a new level, allowing campers to build confidence when using tools and understanding all the proper safety involved!"
Instructors
"Camp Hard Hat provides a safe work environment by helping 12- to 15-year-old campers tap into a creative, hands-on learning style. The goal is to show them their potential, and hopefully have them gain an interest or appreciation for the skilled trades."
"From the very start, we put a firm emphasis on the safety of the campers and their peers. We teach them how to properly use their personal protective equipment, hand & power tools and everything in between, leading to a more educated and safe construction community for the future."
Volunteers
"My favorite part of supporting the camps is watching the students who come back year after year, growing and learning – not only different construction skills, but the confidence that comes with that knowledge. It's amazing!”
“Campers will be able to take the skills they learn here with them for the rest of their lives!"
CHAIR
Jared Radesi
Livingston Associates
Executive Committee
VICE-CHAIR
Mike Musselman
Lollypop Farm
TREASURER
Kim Gaylord
Builders Exchange of Rochester
SECRETARY
Bill Rotenberg
MCC FWD Center
PAST CHAIR
Rich Monroe
Genesee Valley BOCES
Pete Wisbey
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Board Members
Justin Dueppengiesser
Wyoming County BEC
Anthony DiTucci
Livingston Associates
Karyn Winters
MCC FWD Center