Junior Builder Program Gives Students Hands-On Home Building Experience

The Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), in partnership with co-sponsors Rancho Mission Viejo and Walnut, Calif.-based home builder Shea Homes, recently hosted the seventh annual Junior Builder program, a free, two-day summer camp that gives students throughout Southern California hands-on home building experience. This year, students ages 9 to 14 gathered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley in Aliso Viejo, Calif., to participate in virtual design labs and a site visit to the Shea Homes’ new community, Arrowleaf, in Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.

Each camp also includes team-based challenges and a judged competition. For this year’s design competition, Orange County supervisor Katrina Foley and City of San Juan Capistrano councilmember John Taylor served as judges and presented awards to winners.

“As a fourth-generation family-owned business, we take pride in being part of the Junior Builder Program in collaboration with Rancho Mission Viejo," stated Nicole Murray, Division President of Shea Homes’ Southern California Division. "This presents a great opportunity to introduce the upcoming generation to our industry and contribute positively to the community."