Summer Camp students to build potato boxes for Food Bank

Red Deer Polytechnic hosts a summer camp that results in potato planters for use by food production program

Red Deer Polytechnic is partnering with local trade professionals, schools and organizations to support youth interest in the construction industry, to the benefit of the Red Deer Food Bank.

In Building Skills for Tomorrow, youth team up with a journeyperson carpenter and student helpers to create potato planter boxes crafted with care and donated to the Red Deer Food Bank. Campers will roll up their sleeves and learn how to measure, saw, hammer, sand and work safely as a team.

“This project is a perfect example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose,” said Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of the Red Deer Food Bank. “Red Deer Polytechnic, our local building industry, the Chamber of Commerce, and youth are uniting to build more than just potato boxes—they’re building skills, confidence, and a future where no one goes hungry.

“Community is the superpower we draw on to fight food insecurity, and this effort shows we have the knowledge, tools, and determination to make a lasting impact.”

This camp aims to inspire future careers in construction by building connections with industry professionals and giving students a valuable head start on their career journey. Campers will learn many basic skills to apply on future job sites.

“We would love to see 25 youth at this camp,” said Tricia Hunter, Senior Manager, Business & Membership Development at the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to build 40 potato boxes for the Food Bank and stir interest from young people to pursue a career in the trades.

“These teens will not only leave with important life skills, but they will also have the satisfaction of having applied those skills in productive ways that helped to serve others in need.”

"I’m incredibly excited to see these 40 potato boxes come to life through the Building Skills for Tomorrow camp,” adds Samantha Paterson, Food Production Supervisor at the Red Deer Food Bank. “Together, we’ll be able to grow up to 800 pounds of fresh potatoes for the Red Deer Food Bank. It’s not just about food — it’s about showing what’s possible when education, sustainability, and community come together.

“These youth are learning hands-on skills while directly supporting local food security, and that’s the kind of impact that lasts far beyond the growing season."

Partners for this educational initiative are:

“There are still spots available to register,” Hunter continued. "It’s a great week of learning and giving back to community.”

The camp runs July 7 – 11 at Red Deer Polytechnic. Registration is open now at rdpolytech.ca/summer-camps