Heat, band-aids, laughter, new friendships, excitement, and tools — they all marked our journey through our 2nd Annual Construction Camp.
- Fayetteville Habitat
- Aug 13
- 7 min read
July 28-August 1, 2025 was HOT!! Brandon Price, Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity's CEO, put a strong emphasis on what every applicant should expect during the week of camp, on Zoom interviews, before each camper was accepted. As we were quickly reminded of the temperature, we were also reminded of the opportunities and experiences these teenagers, ages 15-19, would take away with them in the trades within five days.
We’re giving our students firsthand exposure, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to learn, gain, and treat construction trades as a primary option for their career path. It is not just a backup plan in case college or the military doesn't work out. This is a primary opportunity. This is a primary choice, and you can make a good living doing this. The Construction Camp program, through Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity (FAHFH), will plant a seed for the future in ambitious students who want to learn about a secure and stable career.
Monday, July 28th, campers arrived at 7:30 am, 30 minutes early, with excitement, compared to the first day of school. This was a perfect way to get back to an early morning routine. Everyone was greeted by Clarence, a mannequin we named and dressed in the uniform camp shirt of the day. Each day featured a different area of a construction trade, and campers received a different color shirt that related to the skill. An introduction to a tool safety overview and framing kicked off our first day of construction camp. The days that followed were the order of how a house is built. Safety glasses and hard hats were popular weekly accessories under the big top. As nervous as the campers were handling a miter and jigsaws, strong vibrating sanders, a pneumatic nail gun, and drills, the lead from licensed instructors made them feel at ease with each tool introduction. With the new tool exposure, campers were taught how to frame a wall, adding a more hands-on experience on how to build a stable structure.
Framing day was most familiar to Noah, a student at Cross Creek Early College. Some campers came with experience, which wasn't required to attend camp. Noah often helps his father with landscaping and building garden pergolas. He was excited to learn about electrical and plumbing, which he said was cool.
As erupt as plumbing can sound, it seemed to have been the most talked about amongst the intrigued campers. During the second day of camp, Steven, a student from The Capitol Encore Academy, tracked down Ashley, the Director of Marketing for FAHFH, inquiring if she had seen him install the toilet. Starting from a hole in the floor, we understand how that first-time accomplishment was a proud moment. Included, campers were taught how to address plumbing issues and how to replace the parts in the back of the toilet. Instructors also taught them how to repair and replace plumbing underneath the bathroom and kitchen sink, as well as the faucets.
After camp was officially over, Chris, another student at The Capitol Encore Academy, made his mother proud as she documented the installation of two bidets he installed in their home. Now, his uncle is requesting that he install his toilet, along with his aunt, who is also requesting a stool that was built during Cumberland County Schools Trade Days this year and at camp. Chris's mom reached out to Grace, the FAHFH Chief Programs Officer, informing her that Chris is loving his Lowe's tool set.
Upon morning check-in, the campers picked up their tool bag, with their name attached, to start the day. They turned them in at the end of each day to keep up with inventory. On the last day, at the graduation ceremony, each camper was surprised with the gift of being able to keep the tools they used throughout the week. Lowe's sponsored all the tools and essentials for each camper, including a drill set they received at graduation. Plumbing day also left an impression on Tyree, a rising 11th-grade student at Seventy-First High School. His father, thankful for the FAHFH camp opportunity for his son, posted on social media that Tyree wants to go to school for plumbing.
Electrical sparks did not go flying, but light bulbs inside the young campers' minds went off while safely learning about electrical work on the third day of camp. Licensed electricians taught the proper way to use an AC voltage tester and GFCI outlet tester to verify that the electrical power is off, and how to de-energize electrical circuits before doing any electrical work. Students also learned how to replace a receptacle and a light switch.
Ben, an incoming freshman at Fayetteville State University, thought the electrical day was fun, but after the day of plumbing, he said he went home and checked every sink to make sure it was tight. Ben took the lead throughout the week of camp by helping others on his team and offering to keep our grounds clean. His work ethic and passion for learning matched his essay on the camp application. When the CBS 17 news crew arrived, Ben was nervous about how he would interview on camera for the first time.
"Most of the stuff I haven't touched before. I never framed a wall before, so it was a cool experience to do."
Identifying and addressing issues in the home early on is key to preserving good housing conditions over time. When routine maintenance problems are left untreated, they often grow into larger, more costly issues, with expenses multiplying the longer they remain unresolved. On the fourth day of camp, things were coming together. Campers started to show their hard work on their clothes.
Drywall dust rapidly spiraled up from the holes created by the jab saw. Holes that were purposely damaged with hammers by the campers were repaired with mixed joint compound and tape. It is safe to say that all the campers had a dirty, hands-on experience. As they closed out the fourth day, these students were also able to install a doorknob to help.
The camp was held on the campus of Sweet Valley Ranch. In appreciation of their generosity, we dedicated the final day to building lean-to animal shelters to help protect their livestock from the elements. With help from the Home Builders Institute and group leaders, we were able to leave seven lean-tos for the ranch. Makayla, a rising 11th grader at Cumberland Polytechnic High School, was part of the first team to finish constructing the lean-to. Adding the final touch, a metal plate etched with the words "Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity Construction Camp Class of 2025," sponsored by Liberty Laser, Makayla hyped her team up to show how proud they were in a candid photo.
Excitingly, day five came fast. This was our day of giving back and being proud. We staged the parking lot to display the week-long work progression that 29 campers constructed or fixed. Framing, toilets, sinks, electrical cubicles, and repaired dry walls lined the parking lot that led into our big top tent, where we held the construction camp graduation ceremony.
One important, humorous statement that Brandon, CEO of FAHFH, mentioned was that their certificate of completion was not an officially certified document for employment advances. Although each camper cut, routed, stained, and drilled pilot holes for their wooden certificate plaque, that was only for commemorative and bragging purposes. We believe each person felt a sense of accomplishment in their bright-colored graduation shirt as they smiled for the camera when their name was called in front of the supportive audience of family and friends. Amongst the audience were two 2024 Construction Camp graduates, Torrean and Jamieon (Jay). Torrean is enrolled in general contracting courses at FTCC, and Jamieon is enrolled in HBI to further his learning and develop his trade skills. Both volunteered this year at camp.
Cape Fear Valley Health sent a representative each day for the well-being of everyone during that week of extremely high temperatures. EMS Kaleigh was left with a lasting impression by being able to be there for the youth, which she deemed refreshing.
"I love seeing kids in a happy place and doing things in a fun, positive way. It's refreshing to watch teens learn a trade versus learning something that could steer them in the wrong direction."
Licensed electricians, plumbers, and tradespeople have volunteered their day to spend with us, sacrificing thousands of dollars to teach our students. Support came from other Habitat affiliates in different counties and states including George Redd, CEO Habitat Forsythe, Adam Burnette, Crew Member, Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, Marcus Williams, Construction Department, Metro Maryland Habitat for Humanity, Trenton Richardson, Construction Site Supervisor, Memphis, Habitat Dr. Stefani Barnett, Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity of York County, Krista Parenti, Director of Program Services, Habitat for Humanity of York County, Summersby Okey, Director of Resource Development & Advocacy, Brad McHugh, VP of Construction, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, and Craig Molyneaux, Chief Financial Officer, Habitat for Humanity International.
A host of many guests also shown their presence like Alex Blum, Legislative Aide of Congressman David Rouzer (NC-7), Antonio Jones, Long Leaf Pine Realtors, Former City Councilman, Board of Directors, Adolph Thomas, Winfred Scott Cummings, Jamia Brantley, Shambleca Locke, Tammy Thurman, Piedmont Natural Gas, Community Relations & Local Government Sr. Manager, NC East, Scott Embry, CEO, United Way of Cumberland County, T-Mobile representatives, The Fayetteville Rotary Club, members of the sororites Delta Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated and Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, the Cumberland County School CTE program, and a motivational commencement speech delivered by Pam Gibson, Fayetteville Technical Community College Dean of Engineering & Applied Technology.
This camp could not be a success without the partnership, sponsorship, and donations from the community and corporations. The Amazon Wishlist was a big help, along with the 30 for $30 community build, and down to the group of friends that just wanted to help. Thanks to our partners, every camper participated 100% at no cost. Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity is grateful for the opportunity to serve and help build the future, together with the next generation. THANK YOU. "Come build with us!"
To learn more about how you can participate in upcoming build activities, please visit our website at fayettevillenchabitat.org or call us at (910) 593-1618.
Ashley R. Thompson, Director of Marketing
