The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build Inspires the Next Generation of Builders
Teaching Kids the Joy of Building
This summer, nearly 100 middle and high school students picked up drills, poured concrete and bent conduit at the third annual TRF Camp Build. The program, organized by The Rosendin Foundation (TRF), introduced 7th to 10th graders to real construction skills through free, hands-on camps across the country. Over 21 days in Austin, Sterling, Huntersville, Commerce and McKinney, 51 boys and 40 girls learned how to safely use power tools and complete projects such as lamps, dog houses and stepping stones. Campers also explored modern jobsite tech like VR and Building Information Modeling (BIM). From the press release:
“We’re proud to bring valuable hands-on classes to young boys and girls for the third year in a row because we want more people to understand the joy of building and feeling good about your work,” said Hope Piernick, Operations Manager of The Rosendin Foundation. “It’s amazing to see the transformation as students master skills and build confidence, and we hope it shapes their journey as they consider potential careers.”
Why It Matters for Compact Equipment Readers
Compact equipment owners know the challenge of finding skilled workers. Workforce shortages affect every trade, from operators to electricians. Programs like TRF Camp Build give kids early exposure to the construction trades and can spark long-term interest in building careers. If you’re a contractor or equipment owner, opportunities like this matter. From the press release:
“Some of our campers never held a power tool before coming to TRF Camp Build, but every one of them walked away with confidence and skills thanks to our partners who came together to support our efforts and work with the kids,” said Sydney Coleman, Rosendin Business Development Specialist.
Powered by Industry Volunteers
The camps are run by volunteers from Rosendin, Modular Power Solutions and dozens of construction partners. Sponsors provided more than $108,500 in tools and materials. For parents in construction, TRF Camp Build offers more than a summer activity. It’s a way to connect kids to the trades you work in every day. It shows them that building is both creative and rewarding. From the press release:
“We appreciate all our partners, especially Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Klein Tools, which gave each kid a bag of tools to take home,” said Troy Vandine, Rosendin Workforce Development Trainer. “Our construction partners know more than anyone how workforce shortages impact projects, yet they are willing to take time to help us develop the next generation of builders and we are thankful for it.”
About The Rosendin Foundation
Founded in 2020, The Rosendin Foundation is the charitable arm of Rosendin Holdings, parent company of Rosendin Electric and Modular Power Solutions. The foundation supports nonprofit groups across the United States with a focus on emotional, nutritional and occupational health. Since its launch, TRF has donated millions to community organizations, organized service projects and created programs like Camp Build to invest in the next generation.
Building Toward the Future
Camp Build is more than a summer workshop. It’s a pipeline that introduces kids to construction skills at a time when the industry needs them most. By showing young people the pride of creating something with their hands, The Rosendin Foundation helps strengthen both communities and the workforce. Learn more about future camps and opportunities at therosendinfoundation.org/camp-build.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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