For four days, from Sunday evening through Wednesday, 16 high school students from across the country traded their summer routines for an experience designed to challenge them, encourage them, and help them grow. At The Light Foundation’s annual Timber Frame Leadership Camp, campers discovered that leadership isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you practice.

Throughout the week at Chenoweth Trails, students tackled leadership activities, worked together to solve challenges, and built handcrafted side tables alongside experienced craftsmen. Every project and every activity was designed to reinforce The Light Foundation’s core values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work while helping students gain confidence in themselves and one another.

Building the side tables gave campers the opportunity to learn woodworking skills while experiencing the rewards of patience, perseverance, and teamwork. From measuring and cutting to assembly and finishing, each student played an active role in creating a project they were proud to take home.

In addition to the hands-on work, campers heard from volunteers and mentors who shared lessons from their careers and personal experiences. Their stories encouraged students to embrace challenges, value hard work, and recognize that leadership is built one decision at a time.

When camp concluded on Wednesday evening, each student left with more than a finished side table. They returned home with practical skills, new friendships, and a stronger understanding of what it means to lead with integrity.

The Light Foundation extends its appreciation to the volunteers who generously invested in the campers throughout the week and to the sponsors who made this year’s Timber Frame Leadership Camp possible: Greenville Moose Lodge, Bruns General Contracting, JCM Timberworks, Ansonia Lumber, Brumbaugh Construction, Cox Insurance, 2R Custom LLC Tree & Sawmill Service, Moose Company Construction, The Barn & Cabin Friend, Kline Timber Company, Frank Miller Lumber, NexGen Contracting, Prosperity Promotions, and My County Link.

Through experiences like Timber Frame Leadership Camp, The Light Foundation continues its mission of helping young people become responsible, motivated leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact in their schools, workplaces, and communities.