What is Block Kids?
Block Kids introduces children to the construction industry in hopes of creating an awareness of and promoting an interest in careers in the many facets of the construction industry.
Our Atlanta NAWIC Block Kids Building Competition 2015 was a huge success and tons of fun. This is one of NAWIC’s largest event through the National Education Foundation(NEF). This award-winning program is sponsored on locals level by NAWIC chapters across the country.
This years’ event was held in October 24th, at Girls, Inc. in Marietta, GA with about 42 kids participating: young girls from Girls, Inc, local Girl Scout and Brownie troops in and around Northwest Georgia as well as other young girls and boys from around the metro Atlanta Area. Students had one hour to build a structure out of no more than 100 Lego-style blocks, and three of the following additional items: a small rock, string, foil or poster board.
Judges then interviewed the students to find out how and why they built their individual designs. We are continually surprised and inspired by the creativeness of our program participants. All judges and volunteers are from companies within the construction industry. This year they included our own Spectra Contract Flooring, Safety Manager, Jerry Daniels who wowed the kids with safety rules that applied to home and awareness of safety risks in their environment. Lana Fyre of the Electrical Contractors Association.. had everyones’ attention during her electricity demonstration on how electricity is powered using an electric ball. Even more building fun was had during LEGO LAND Discovery Center’s demonstration on what fun building can really be. The kids build an Angler fish with or without instructions to compete for prizes.
Lorelei Henderson
Our Block Kids competition winner was 4th grader Lorelei Henderson. Her entry was a construction crane. She will advance to the Regional Competition, then one winner from each region will be entered into the National Program competition for top prizes.
Companies donating materials, promotional items and volunteers included, Juneau Construction, Balfour Beatty Construction, Grainger, GA Tech School of Building Construction, Schopmann Company and other NAWIC friends. Erica Jean Baptiste from our Atlanta Spectra office, served as the Chair person for the event. Lacey Head, and Debbie Mogan, also from our Atlanta Spectra office, both first time volunteers, were among our esteemed judges. They both look forward to next year’s event.
