Effingham, IL – July 8, 2024, Promoting a Vision for Effingham County (PAVE) is pleased to announce that HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is generously sponsoring this year’s Summer Build It Camp, in partnership with Bench Worx, at the Effingham Park District July 8th–12th.  This weeklong event will offer campers the opportunity to learn how to use tools safely and unleash their creativity through hands-on projects.

Chad Markham, HSHS Central Illinois Market Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that “it’s a great opportunity for kids to get comfortable working with their hands while having fun at the same time.”  Markham went on to say that “there are numerous opportunities in the trades for hands-on skills and the Summer Build It Camp helps installs self-confidence and rewards kids with the satisfaction of seeing a job well done.”

Bench Worx, a mobile education program, introduces students of all ages to the art of woodworking.  The program is designed to build confidence and provide children with a practical understanding of real tools, material manipulation, and various processes.  Bench Worx aims to teach children to use tools safely, effectively, and eventually independently, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.

For more information about the Summer Build It Camp, please contact the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance.

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PAVE is the result of a joint collaboration between the Effingham County Chamber, Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, and Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.  It is the product of the MAPPING process where community members worked through a strategic visioning and planning process.  This interactive process included five 3-hour planning sessions facilitated by the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs.  From these sessions, five Action Teams were formed to address the topics of Workforce & Education, Housing, Childcare, Festivals & Events, and Parks & Recreation throughout Effingham County.