During the week of June 16, the Carbon Career & Technical Institute opened its doors to prospective students and hosted a 5-day summer career camp for Carbon County youths in grades 5-8.

Seventy students rotated through 11 technical areas for hands-on activities designed to ignite passion and curiosity in career and technical education.

“This camp gives younger students a head start by letting them explore career paths they might not otherwise encounter until high school or beyond,” said Dave Reinbold, administrative director. “It’s all about learning through doing, and giving them the confidence to pursue their interests.”

The camp participants rotated through the following technical areas lead by CCTI instructors: auto service technology, Hal Resh; carpentry, Walter O’Donnell; engineering technology, Rainbeau Currier; cosmetology, Tammy Marshall; culinary arts, Ashleigh Rehrig and Sal Lopresti; drafting design and technology, Jeremy Pease; electrical distribution and automation, Rick Stettler and Josh Reif; graphic design, Mark Barthel; health medical assistant/aide, Donna McClain; HVAC, Hal C. Resh; precision machine technology, Kevin Kuehner.

Many current and graduated CCTI students also assisted and were a tremendous asset to the program: Lea Yemm, Brianna Binder, Steven Lilly, Chloe Klotz, Angelina Aurisano, Sophia Sarnowski, Frangil Colon, Sahara Steigerwalt, Ava DeMelfi, and Allen Steigerwalt.

The Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE program provided some transportation services and an on-site staff that assisted with the camp’s operations. LCCC’s Rachel Strucko, Jakciel Diaz, Robbie Omahaboy helped organize and oversee the camp.

“The CCTI instructors, student assistants, and SHINE staff made the camp a huge success, Thanks to all involved,” Reinbold added.

CCTI is a leading career and technical education center serving Carbon County.

With a commitment to excellence in career training and academics, the school prepares students for post-secondary school, careers, and military service through innovative programs and real-world learning experiences.