THUNDER BAY - Dan Turk is voluntarily sacrificing the start of his summer holidays to teach students the tricks of welding.
The Mind over Metal Summer Welding Camp is being held at Superior Collegiate and Vocational and Institute, and will host kids aged 12 to 15 throughout the week.
Turk, Superior's chair of technology, says the camp is a great opportunity to expose a younger crowd to the trade.
“A lot students don’t get to see what (welding) is all about,” said Turk. “I think having a summer camp atmosphere where they’re meeting kids all over the city is a fun way to do this.”
The event is held across the nation and is funded by the Canadian Welding Association. Thunder Bay’s camp is one of 35 in Canada.
“This is their first welding experience, and it’s wonderful to see their eyes open to the new opportunities and new methods of welding.”
Students have the opportunity to take home two projects per day. Some of these projects included pencil holders, steel roses and cowbells.
“It’s going pretty good right now,” said 12-year-old Nikolas Black, who was producing a cowbell at the time of the interview.
“It’s kind of interesting to see all the sparks flying -- really fun.”
Nikolas had no experience welding beforehand and didn’t think much of it, but now appreciates its intricacy.
“This was just an out-of-the-blue experience. My mom found about it and told me, and now I think it’s something I will do in high school.”
Turk hopes most campers will pursue their newfound interest, and the numbers suggest a lot of local kids are interested.
“Because of an overwhelming response to the camp, we have 10 people on a wait list,” Turk said. “So now we have a second camp that I’ll be running.”
The next camp will be held in the months of September and October, and will also take place at Superior Collegiate.
