Summer Camp

          

College Is Not Every Student's Path

When your child expresses interest in a career that doesn't require a college degree, you may feel uncertain about where to turn for guidance. You might want to explore options beyond the traditional college route. Every parent wants their child to achieve their full potential and find a fulfilling career that offers financial stability and independence.

If your child thrives in hands-on learning environments, our summer camp – called the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) Kansas City - is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the mechanical (piping and sheet metal), electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades. With our program, you can empower your child to explore rewarding career paths that align with their strengths and interests.

                    

We know what it’s like to have a career opportunity dismissed as “just a tradesperson”… 


 
          
 

Navigate the Journey to a Skilled Career

Our summer camp partners with parents like you, who want their children to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Your child needs a clear path to explore hands-on trades such as sheet metal, pipefitting, plumbing, and electrical. However, limited accessible opportunities leave you both feeling uncertain about the future.


We offer the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) Kansas City, because every student deserves career options beyond college or a cubicle.

Apply today to express your interest, wait for acceptance, and then prepare your teen for camp! Stop worrying about missed opportunities and start watching your child thrive in a fulfilling career in the trades!

                    
 

Heavy Metal Summer Camp Kansas City – FAQs 

  1. What age group is the camp designed to serve?

This camp is open to 15 – 19-year-olds.  Applicants should be students who have completed their freshman year of high school, up to students who are one year past graduation.
  1. Are meals and equipment provided?
Daily breakfast and lunch will be provided, with consideration given to any dietary restrictions or allergies. Equipment and supplies will be provided at each location to complete the hands-on projects. Students are not expected, nor required, to bring any of their own supplies.
  1. How do you ensure safety during hands-on activities?
All students are provided FREE personal protective equipment (PPE) through the national HMSE sponsors. This includes a hi-vis vest, gloves, and safety glasses.
  1. What are the camp hours and schedule?
The 2025 camp will be from July 14 – July 17, 2025. Hours are 8:30am – 3:00pm. A more detailed schedule with activities will be provided once you are accepted into the camp.
  1. Is there a cost to attend the camp?
No. This camp is free thanks to our generous national and local donors and sponsors.
  1. Is transportation provided to and from the camp?
Transportation is not provided for each child. Though MCAKC will work with any family that needs it to ensure your child is able to attend camp daily by partnering with other Kansas City nonprofits. Please note that you’re in need of transportation in your application.
  1. What support is available for parents during the camp?
Daily text messages with location addresses and camp updates are provided. Parents are invited to stay and attend our initial camp orientation on the first morning of camp, July 14, 2025. Additional information about camp, the trades’ apprenticeships, and more will be available during this time. Parents are also invited to attend our HMSE graduation ceremony on the last afternoon of camp, July 17, 2025. More details about both events will be provided if and when you are accepted to camp.


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