ST. LOUIS — Young people worked with real tools, tested catapults and took to the water in boats built by fellow youth during Building Futures’ Built to Launch: Fall Build & Boat Day in Forest Park on October 18.
The free event brought families together for an afternoon of building, rowing and learning about the organization’s programs.
Building Futures Executive Director CeAira Sargent told VOTP News STL that the wooden boats were built during summer camps, where students spend a week constructing a boat before launching it. Four boats, representing four years of camp projects, were brought out for the fall gathering.
On land, participants assembled catapults, practiced using tools safely and tested their projects by launching at a target. Sargent said youth could take their creations home.
Eric Baker, a STEAM instructor with Building Futures, said the activities connect science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics with practical experience.
“We’re learning how to drill, learning how to hammer, learn how to solve problems,” Baker said.
For parents, the gathering offered a chance to see their children try something beyond a screen. The Carpenter family welcomed the opportunity for youth to spend time outside and away from computers.
Joe Carpenter, who identified himself as a structural engineer, said opportunities to build, construct and work with one’s hands can introduce youth to the trades. He described the organization’s outreach to the community as “a great first step.”
Sargent said the program’s lessons extend beyond the workshop.
“Our program builds confidence. It also builds very tangible skills,” she said.
Learning to use a tape measure or complete a project can give youth skills they can use at home, Sargent said, while introducing them to careers in the trades, architecture and engineering.
She also recalled a summer camp outing when a youth participant helped row her back in after she forgot the rowing motions. The student had paid close attention to the instructions and was able to put that knowledge to work.
Sargent thanked members of the Harris-Stowe State University men’s basketball team for volunteering at the event. She said Building Futures also welcomes volunteers and professionals who can share their career experiences with youth.
Baker said the organization offers free Saturday workshops. Families interested in programs, volunteering or supporting Building Futures can learn more at BuildingFuturesSTL.org.
Photography, video and interviews: VOTP News STL.
