What began as a two-week pilot camp in 2014 evolved into one of our flagship offerings, serving as a blueprint for programs to follow. Our Mind Over Metal youth camps started it all and have facilitated over 250 camps with more than 5,000 youth across Canada.
Targeted at youth ages 12-17, our Mind Over Metal youth camps change the perception of welding and welding-related skilled trades careers. Hands-on learning at these camps builds confidence and self-esteem and gives many participants a reason to continue developing a welding career in secondary, post-secondary and apprenticeship. Welding captures their attention and gives them a focus for their future.
participants have attended a Mind Over Metal youth camp
%
of youth program participants identify as female
youth camps specifically targeted to Indigenous youth
%
of youth participants have reported interest in continuing to learn about welding-related careers
We rely on the support of industry, government agencies, and community organizations to build a highly skilled welding workforce in Canada by delivering our programs and awards. Since these offerings are always in demand, we continue to develop a partnership network to provide impactful educational experiences for all interested in exploring welding as a future career option.
Learn more about our Mind Over Metal youth camps by watching this video, featuring a camp held at Scared Heart High School, Walkerton, Ontario.
To find camp locations and dates, please visit our Upcoming Events page.
Key Dates
Applications Are Open All Year
Summer Camp Applications Due
February 29, 2024
*Applicants will be notified of the status of their applications as they are processed.
Application Form
Fill out our application form here
Camp Sponsorship
Interested in sponsoring a Mind Over Metal Camp? Please contact Joe Saundercook, Manager Fund and Partner Development, for more information.
Application Process
Applications must be completed in their entirety to be considered. The application form may be downloaded and emailed to info@cwbweldingfoundation.org along with the following information.
- Proposed host institution and administration approval
- Camp leadership and support team members, biographical and educational background and contact information
- Location description and equipment audit: The shop description must identify the equipment the shop has to ensure the requested location has the capacity and requisite credentials to host the camp. Providing this information confirms that the equipment is in good working order and conforms with all safety regulations
- Requested camp dates
- Camp capacity, target camper demographics
- Description of how this camp will make a difference in your community
- Volunteers: Names and contact information, roles and responsibilities. A vulnerable sector check is required to be in place. Cost of the vulnerable sector check will be covered by the CWB Welding Foundation
- Sponsors and external fundraising plan, if applicable
- Marketing and promotion plan
- Impact and measures of success
Selection Process
Mind Over Metal camps have experienced rapid and significant growth across Canada since the launch of this program in 2014. Eligibility is Canada-wide, and inclusive, as the objective of this program is to build awareness of skilled trades, by introducing individuals of all ages, particularly youth and those from underrepresented populations, to the potential for career success through welder training. Selection is becoming highly competitive and as a result, CWB Welding Foundation is dependent on funding from external partners to fulfill requests.
Camp locations are determined based on the information provided in the application, market and demographic factors, the quality of the experience available to participants, and the potential impact of each camp on individuals and the community. Selection is determined by a volunteer committee of CWB Group employees and Foundation staff, working in partnership with camp sponsors and donors, and depends on available funding. Applicants who can secure third-party funding will be given priority, provided their location is deemed suitable to conduct a camp.
Expectations of Selected Camp Hosts
Each chosen camp host will receive an agreement that outlines the full terms and conditions under which the camp will proceed (camp timetable, budget, code of conduct, participant enrollment list, waivers, reporting requirements, etc.). This agreement must be completed and submitted to CWB Foundation at least 30 days before the camp’s start date. Failure to do so will result in this camp being pulled from the potential host institution and possibly relocated elsewhere.
During the camp, the camp hosts are responsible for any media relations, outreach, and communication unless otherwise noted by the CWB Foundation. Hosts are also responsible for hiring instructors, recruiting camp attendees, scheduling lunches and breaks, organizing the wrap-up lunch, creating and distributing camp completion certificates, etc.
At the camp’s conclusion, hosts must submit their completed pre and post-camp surveys to the CWB Welding Foundation for participant engagement tracking. Submission of the surveys to the CWB Welding Foundation are a mandatory procedure for all camp hosts.
