MADISON — Girl Scouts of Wisconsin — Badgerland is proud to highlight CampBUILD, a pioneering summer camp program dedicated to empowering girls by introducing them to the building trades. Launched in 2019 and proudly hosted at Madison College, CampBUILD offers a unique, hands-on learning experience where girls gain practical skills in carpentry, power tools, and more — fields where women have been historically underrepresented.
Co-founded by Eliza Zimmerman, a long-time Badgerland Girl Scout employee, and Sandy Thistle, a seasoned commercial carpenter and educator, CampBUILD was created to open doors for girls in the building trades. Sandy’s dedication to the program is deeply rooted in her belief that every girl should have the opportunity to explore her potential and develop practical skills in a supportive environment. CampBUILD offers activities across a range of specialties, ensuring that girls of all ages can engage in projects that are both educational, age-appropriate, and enjoyable.
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked to open the door wider for those who have been excluded from this field,” Thistle said. “For me and many women, the trades were an arena we were told ‘girls don’t do this.’ CampBUILD changes that narrative.”
CampBUILD offers a range of activities tailored to different age groups, ensuring that every age group can safely engage in building projects that are both fun and educational. From basic woodworking and simple construction tasks to more advanced projects with power tools, the program is designed to challenge and inspire girls at every level. Professional volunteers — including architects, engineers, and builders — mentor the girls, sharing their expertise while ensuring a safe learning environment.
“The camp motto is ‘Be safe, Have Fun’ for a reason, safety comes first,” Thistle said. “The middle schoolers used the circular saw better than some of my adult students. They listen, pay attention, follow safety rules, take it seriously, and they support each other — all that together is a great recipe for success.”
CampBUILD continues to grow, offering girls the chance to explore careers in the trades and develop skills that will serve them well in any field they choose. Badgerland Girl Scouts is proud to be a part of this journey, helping to build the next generation of carpenters, electricians, engineers, and more.
Lisa Smith, CEO of Girl Scouts Wisconsin — Badgerland, expressed the impact that CampBUILD has on Girl Scouts,.
“It’s amazing to witness their determination and enthusiasm as they tackle challenges head-on and support each other every step of the way. These Girl Scouts are learning more than just how to build — they’re building confidence and essential life skills,” Smith said.
About Girl Scouts of Wisconsin — Badgerland
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin — Badgerland serves 23 counties through south-central and southwestern Wisconsin. Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges — whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, connect, or donate, visit: www.gsbadgerland.org.
About CampBUILD
CampBUILD is a Girl Scout summer camp program by Badgerland Girl Scouts and Madison College. It introduces girls to the building trades in a hands-on, supportive environment. Through activities in carpentry, electrical work, and more, CampBUILD empowers girls to explore fields where women have been historically underrepresented.
