Photo by Derek Redd Welding instructor Jayson Summers, far right, helps sixth-grader Arthur Harto, center, with a welding project while seventh-grader Emmitt Thayer looks on during the Marshall County Schools CTE camp at John Marshall High School.

Marshall County students were able to see what their future could potentially be during a Career and Technical Education camp being held at John Marshall High School.

The two-day camp that ends Wednesday offers students entering sixth grade through entering ninth grade the opportunity to get a taste of CTE courses offered through Marshall County Schools. Students can learn about disciplines like medical occupations, automotive technology, welding, woodworking, broadcasting carpentry and more.

Marshall County Schools Career Development Counselor Melanie Knutsen said the students really gravitate toward the camp because it’s more than a lecture and a brochure. It’s hands-on experiences that allow them to really see what might interest them. Throughout Tuesday, students took park in mock emergency medical calls, welded metal and put together a broadcast news story on the day. On Wednesday, some students will go through the entire house buying process, from seeking one with a Realtor and home inspector to going to the bank for loan approval.

Knutsen said the camp is really starting to bear fruit when it comes to students choosing CTE classes at John Marshall High School or Cameron High School.

“Instructors have always asked why students were picking their program,” Knutsen said. “The answer is starting to become, ‘because I had this in summer camp, and I really liked it, and I might do it for a career someday.'”

Knutsen said it’s fulfilling to watch these young students find subjects that spark their interest and could lead to successful careers down the line.

“It’s been my goal since I started this job six years ago to help kids find their passion,” she said. “Seeing kids find their passion and find something that they’re really engaged in on a daily basis is wonderful.”