Empowering Youth Through Hands-On Construction and Leadership Training
Greenville, Ohio. — The Light Foundation, co-founded by former New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Matt Light, is preparing for its 6th Annual Timber Frame Leadership Camp at Chenoweth Trails, the Foundation’s 500-acre facility in Greenville, Ohio, from July 14th to 17th. This year, nineteen students will be introduced to the age-old craft of timber frame construction, working on building bleachers for the Foundation’s sports court.
The Timber Frame Leadership Camp is a three-day overnight instructional and hands-on program designed for students entering high school. Under the guidance of professionals and adult mentors, the participants will learn to turn reclaimed wood into functional bleachers, gaining STEAM skills in the process. Past camps have seen the construction of a storage shed, an elevated treehouse, a 40-foot covered bridge, and a bell tower.
“We are passionate about teaching young people useful skills like timber framing and construction at our camp,” said Matt Light. “It’s ideal for building their self-esteem and confidence as they’re empowered to use real tools, accomplish initially challenging tasks, gain new skills, and eventually take pride in their creations.”
This year’s attendees come from Massachusetts and all over the Miami Valley. The selected applicants for the program are Ryan L., Joseph B., Tyler H., Addison M., Liam M., Johnathon M., Vera C., Clair R., Caleb B., Teagan B., Sydney B., Bentley H., Mora M., William J., Anna C., Bohdan M., Patrick M., Matthew D., and Trey R.
There is also a wide array of timber frame instructors who volunteer their time for the camp. This year’s instructors include Caleb Miller, Junior Raber, Zander Schultz, Dave McMillan, and Willow Hyde from JCM Timber Works, along with Brody Rheault from Moose & Co., Mike Christman from Kustom Woodworking, Terry Clark from Bear’s Mill, Jim Poeppelman, Mitch McCabe from Ansonia Lumber, Jeremy Woodall, Copeland Woodall, Rowland Gravel, and Raymond Friend from Barn & Cabin Friend.
The Light Foundation’s mission is to take young people out of their everyday environments and provide them with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose, and motivation to succeed. This program would not be possible without the support of various area businesses and sponsors who are committed to fostering the development of future leaders.
The new bleachers, built by camp participants, will be located next to the sports court installed last summer at the Foundation’s Chenoweth Trails facility, which is currently available for sponsorship. These sponsorships not only help fund the camp, but also support the ongoing initiatives of the Light Foundation, empowering underserved youth and fostering community development. For more information about the Light Foundation or how to become a sponsor, visit our website at www.mattlight72.com.
About the Light Foundation: The Light Foundation was established in 2001 by three-time Super Bowl Champion and three-time Pro-Bowler Matt Light, and his wife, Susie. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who can pass on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Light was drafted in 2001 out of Purdue University and was the anchor for the Patriots offensive line for more than a decade before retiring in 2012. He received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. In 2012, Light was named Pop Warner’s Humanitarian of the Year, in 2014, was honored with All Sports United’s Humanitarian Award, and in 2015, received the Man of the Year award from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s New England chapter. In 2018, Light was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list, and in 2019, was also named to the publication’s “Power 50” lineup. Matt Light was also inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2018. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised more than $9 million for various programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.mattlight72.com.