Young ladies from area high schools learned how to build a lantern during the EMPOW(Her) camp in Grand Rapids. They took over The Forge spot this week.

About a dozen of them spent time with welding gear on Wednesday. Earlier in the week they tried their hands at carpentry and electrical work.

Emerald Burkhardt had been nervous about trying welding, but once she did, she had a blast.

Allexa Alzen has experience with carpentry. And now had a chance to try welding.

Their welding instructor, Anna Wald, shared, “It’s about breaking down that fear barrier. I’ve had ladies tell me once they get to college, that it can be difficult walking into a shop class where it seems like the men already know how to do everything.”

Thursday is the field trip day, so they’ll visit area manufacturers and Minnesota North College – Itasca.

Minnesota North also hosted EMPOW(Her) camps in Hibbing and Eveleth this year.