GLEN DALE, W.Va. — From welding sparks to the sizzle of pickling spices, nearly 180 Marshall County middle schoolers got a head start on career exploration during the fifth annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Camp at John Marshall High School.
Held over two days, this free camp opened its doors to incoming sixth through ninth graders, giving them a hands-on glimpse into the working world through a selection of 14 dynamic programs. Whether their interests leaned toward fire rescue or computer science, students were able to immerse themselves in both creative and technical fields during morning and afternoon sessions.
Real-World Training at Their Fingertips
Led by experienced instructors from Marshall County Schools, each program offered campers the chance to learn by doing. In the Welding course, students fabricated their own metal dice, donning safety helmets and gloves, while the Woodworking students constructed birdhouses, honing skills with saws and hammers.
Over in the Culinary Arts & Crafting class, the scent of spices filled the air as students learned the art of pickling and other kitchen basics. Meanwhile, budding broadcasters and business minds explored digital storytelling and entrepreneurship in their respective sessions.
“This camp gives kids a safe, structured environment to try something new—and sometimes, discover a lifelong passion,” said Melanie Knutsen, Career and Technical Education Counselor and camp coordinator. “We want them to realize that career exploration doesn’t have to wait until high school.”
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Fire Hoses, CPR Dummies, and Field Trips
The camp also included interactive experiences beyond the classroom. The Glen Dale Volunteer Fire Department brought a fire truck on-site for students in the Firefighter/EMT course, allowing them to simulate search-and-rescue missions and even test their aim with a working fire hose.
Students in Health Occupations received a real-world look at emergency care, beginning with dental assisting lessons at school and then visiting WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital for certified CPR and Stop the Bleed training, along with a guided hospital tour.
High Schoolers Paying It Forward
CTE students from both John Marshall and Cameron High School volunteered to support the camp, mentoring the younger participants and helping instructors facilitate complex tasks. Their presence ensured that all campers got meaningful, safe engagement—especially in hands-on sessions like welding, where precision and supervision are key.
“Many of our high school helpers were once campers themselves,” Knutsen said. “Now, they’re coming full circle, showing younger kids the ropes.”
Feeding the Future: A Program That Works
Since launching five years ago, the summer camp has proven to be more than just a fun summer activity—it’s become a key driver in boosting CTE enrollment in the county. Some high school instructors, like Welding teacher Jayson Summers, say they first meet their future students during these camps.
“We’ve had kids who attend the summer camp, fall in love with a program, and stay with it all the way through high school,” said Knutsen. “That kind of connection early on can be life-changing.”
Something Extra: Students Build a “Camp-Inspired” Pop-Up Market
New this year was a collaborative mini-project: students across several programs joined forces to plan a pop-up market on the final afternoon. Welding and woodworking students built display stands, business students created marketing plans, and culinary students sold homemade treats. The exercise gave campers a chance to apply what they learned while showcasing their creativity and teamwork.
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“It was amazing to see them run a little business together,” said Knutsen. “Some kids realized for the first time that they like working on teams, or that they’re good at selling something they made with their own hands.”
A Summer Well-Spent
As the camp wrapped up, students left with new skills, new friendships, and, in many cases, a spark for future ambitions. Whether college-bound or workforce-ready, campers learned that CTE is for everyone—and that summer can be more than just video games and boredom.
“CTE opens doors to all types of futures,” Knutsen added. “And this camp is where those doors first begin to open.”
