The statewide She Builds camp – a free-to-attend, multi-day program designed for middle school-aged girls – arrived in the Chippewa Valley for the first time last week, filled with daily demonstrations, hands-on activities, and more.

From Aug. 5-7, dozens of area kids and numerous local companies took part in the program, which aims to educate Wisconsin youths of the construction trades, architecture, and engineering. Local businesses including Ayres Associates, River Valley Architects, Swanson's Flooring, and others presented to and hosted the group.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, camp participants explored Eau Claire Area School District and EC Grow job sites, and a tour and presentation by Lincoln Contractors Supply and The Sonnentag Center. Presented by AGC Wisconsin and Market & Johnson, the program also saw kids build their own birdhouses and use machinery equipment (under supervision, of course).