Skilled Trades Education Program
at Camp Manatoc

The Great Trail Council is building something transformative—a Skilled Trades Education Center where young people can discover their strengths, learn valuable hands-on skills, and step confidently into careers that support their families and our community.  This project is more than bricks and mortar—it’s about building futures, closing opportunity gaps, and creating a stronger Northeast Ohio for everyone.  

We have a crisis within skilled trades 

Local businesses are struggling to find enough talent to fill their job openings; this will only compound as experienced employees continue to retire over the next decade. In addition, high school graduates are increasingly searching for career paths beyond the expensive option of going to a traditional four-year college.

Scouting America has a plan

The Scouting program includes effective introductions to several skilled trades through merit badges and activities; however, the Council currently offers very few of these opportunities locally. Our new Skilled Trades Center at Camp Manatoc will provide a safe, effective, and unique venue to introduce, educate and instruct Scouts as well as community youth to the in-demand field of skilled trades.