African Nova Scotian Youth Camp returns with a deep dive in carpentry

The camp for African Nova Scotian (ANS) youth interested in exploring the skilled trades returned for its second consecutive year. Held from July 17-21 at NSCC Ivany Campus, the camp is a collaborative effort between the Black Educators Association (BEA), Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - African Canadian Services Branch, and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). While the inaugural edition explored welding, the camp’s second year focused on the carpenter trade.

The camp opened with an engaging and educating day at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, in the heart of Halifax’s historic waterfront. Here, thirteen youth aged 13-18 learned about craft boat building, explored the CSS Acadia, and reflected on the contributions of African Nova Scotians to the province's marine history.

“We don’t always think about the skilled trades at sea, so I we thought it would be a stimulating and thought-provoking way to start the camp,” said Donna MacGillivray, Manager, Youth & Equity Programs at NSAA, and one of the main driving forces behind the ANS youth camp. “It proved to be a really popular idea with the youth, who seemed thoroughly engaged!”

Days two to four involved safety training and hands-on carpentry activities led by NSCC Instructor and Red Seal Endorsed carpenter, Aaron Cathcart. Youth delved into a variety of tools and equipment and learned many woodworking skills. They created ANS flags, collaborated on creating a mini community library, and had the opportunity to put their creativity to work on individual projects.

During the final day of the camp, youth heard from many guests, including Kathleen Allen, Principal at NSCC Ivany Campus; Dale Crawford, Director, Partnerships & Innovation at NSAA; Michelle Colley, Transition & Community Education Coordinator at the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - African Canadian Services Branch; and Chad Carrington, RSE carpenter.

“The students that are involved truly love it,” said Deborah Emmerson, Dartmouth Regional Educator at BEA. “They have chosen to be here because they’re interested not only in their future, but what the trades have to offer. We are so excited to be able to offer this and so proud of these students who attended.”

The BEA is a volunteer, non-profit organization, founded in 1969 to assist African Nova Scotian communities develop strategies toward an equitable education system. To find out more about the BEA, visit: http://www.bea-ns.ca/