The camp, run by the nonprofit Tools & Tiaras, gives participants hands-on experience with plumbing fixtures, tools and the inner workings of sinks, toilets and other household systems.
"Every day they learn a different discipline within male-populated industries," said Judaline Cassidy, a plumber and founder of Tools & Tiaras.
The program comes as the skilled trades face a growing labor shortage. Organizers said more than 500,000 plumbing jobs could go unfilled next year, while women make up only about 2% of plumbers nationwide.
"We don't have enough plumbers in the next generation, much less female plumbers," said Amie Milano of LIXIL Plumbing Company. "Part of outreach is to close that gap."
Cassidy said the goal of the camp is to introduce girls to career paths they may not have previously considered.
"That's what the program is all about - exposing, inspiring them about these careers," Cassidy said. "It took too long to learn nothing moves in this country without the trades."
Throughout the week, campers are learning both the technical and practical sides of plumbing, including how to evaluate fixtures based on function rather than appearance.
For camper Parker James, the experience has already sparked new ideas.
"I would love to design a bathroom," James said.
Organizers hope the camp encourages participants to look beyond traditional gender roles and consider pursuing careers in the skilled trades, whether they eventually become plumbers, builders or designers.
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