ATAS supports eighth annual construction camp for girls

The eighth annual Lehigh Valley Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls was held this summer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

ATAS has been a supporter of the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls from the beginning, with monetary and material donations, along with several employees who helped in the planning and execution of the camp. They also supported the third annual camp in Northeast Ohio and the second annual camp in Phoenix, Arizona.

Let’s Build is a free week-long camp designed for middle and high school age girls to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering and construction materials manufacturing through hands-on experiences and field trips. As part of this year’s curriculum at the Lehigh Valley camp, the girls learned how to install standing seam metal roofing, and metal wall cladding. As a new activity this year, the campers made a metal bird feeder, while learning how to operate a metal brake. The bird feeders were made from aluminum donated by ATAS, in the red and teal colors of the camp’s logo. The girls took their feeders home at the end of the week, as a memento of their camp experience. Thanks to Tim Coughlan, technical service advisor; Kevin Klersy, CAD draftsman; Julie Wheeland, inside technical salesperson; and Tyler Csanadi, inside technical salesperson for acting as instructors this year.  

For the Northeast Ohio camp, the girls learned how to install standing seam metal roofing and metal shingles. ATAS’ Tim Coughlan and Dave Willard, the midwest district sales manager, volunteered as instructors for that camp. The Phoenix campers also learned how to install metal roofing, and they toured ATAS’ manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona. Thanks to Kristee Day, inside technical salesperson; Missy Wright, office service assistant; and Jason Kroboth, plant manager, for helping with the tour.

Throughout the week, the campers learn many skills, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, tiling, painting, flooring and window installation. The field trips allow them to visit the offices of an architect and/or contractor, a jobsite or a building products manufacturing facility. In the past, campers have learned how metal roofing and wall cladding, cabinetry, millwork and industrial valves are made.

Lee Ann M. Slattery, sales support manager for ATAS, who is now a director on the board of the Lehigh Valley Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, stated, “Although I’m involved in several trade associations and events throughout the year, the Let’s Build Camp is always a favorite.  It’s so rewarding to be part of something that not only teaches girls some important life skills, whether they pursue a career in our industry or not, but also, and more importantly, helps to build their confidence. Some of the campers start the week a bit shy and unsure, but most end the week excited and energized, embracing what they’ve learned and the friendships they’ve formed. One of the highlights of the week is when campers wire a wall light within the structure they have built. When they flip the switch and the bulb lights up, they are amazed that they made that happen. Another highlight is the end of camp celebration, when their family members come to camp to view the structures their girls have built."

ATAS looks forward to their continued involvement and support of the Let’s Build camps. With workforce development being a concern for many local employers, events like this are important to build awareness of fulfilling careers within the design, construction and manufacturing industries.   

About ATAS International, Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles and more. Additional options include curved, tapered and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish.

With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation. ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pennysylvania and their facility in Mesa, Arizona. ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pennsylvania and recently added a new manufacturing location in University Park, Illinois.  For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445.  For more information about InSpire solar air heating panels, please visit www.inspirewall.com.