ECIDA Partners with Xcel Strategies to Expand Summer Skills Camp with New Industry Day

June 30, 2026

Representatives from The Sack Company taught campers the basics of an electrical circuit.

RINCON, Ga. – The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) partnered with Xcel Strategies to sponsor the inaugural Industry Day as part of the organization's annual Summer Skills Camp. The three-day camp welcomed 25 middle and high school students for hands-on career exploration and skilled trades experiences designed to build confidence and expose them to future career opportunities.

Established in Effingham County in 2021, the Summer Skills Camp meets for three hours each day and introduces students to a variety of skilled trades through hands-on learning experiences. Designed to help participants discover their strengths, explore careers they may enjoy, and build confidence in their ability to succeed in hands-on work, the camp encourages students to explore career pathways before making important high school and future career decisions. The program also reaches students who may not otherwise participate in Xcel's school-year programming, including many homeschooled students.

"At Xcel Strategies, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential through meaningful, hands-on experiences," said David Humphus, Director of Eagle Nation for Xcel Strategies. "The Summer Skills Camp helps young people build confidence while introducing them to careers they may have never considered. We're grateful for partners like ECIDA and our industry volunteers who help make those experiences possible."

This year's camp also featured a new addition with the introduction of Industry Day, sponsored by ECIDA. The special session connected students directly with local employers, giving them firsthand exposure to the skills, technology, and career opportunities available within Southeast Georgia's growing industrial community.

"Industry Day gave students the opportunity to see firsthand what careers in industry look like and to interact directly with the professionals who keep these industries moving," said Jessica Hood, Vice President of ECIDA. "Helping students understand the rewarding careers available right here in our region is an important part of building tomorrow's workforce, and we're proud to partner with Xcel Strategies to make those connections possible."

Industry Day featured hands-on instruction from several regional employers. Georgia-Pacific Savannah River Mill introduced students to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) while emphasizing the importance of communication and other essential workplace skills, and Silver Lake Automation demonstrated how automation and robotics are transforming today's manufacturing environments. Nick Hargrave also provided instruction in drywall patching techniques, giving students another opportunity to develop practical, hands-on skills.

Throughout the remainder of the camp, students also learned electrical wiring from The Sack Company, plumbing fundamentals from Thompson & Thompson Service Group, and explored career opportunities with Daniel Defense and Delta Metals. Industry Podium Logistics also supported the program by sponsoring lunch for participants during one of the camp days.

Throughout the three-day camp, students were recognized each day with awards for character, teamwork, and engagement, encouraging them to support one another while striving to do their very best. As a thank-you to Compassion Christian Church for hosting this year's Summer Skills Camp, participants also worked together to build picnic tables that were donated to the church, giving students the opportunity to apply their newly learned skills while leaving behind a lasting contribution to the community.

"Today's manufacturing environments rely on technology, automation, and innovation," said Rob Lanham, General Manager and Owner of Silver Lake Automation. "Giving students the opportunity to experience robotics firsthand helps them see that these careers are exciting, rewarding, and attainable. We were honored to be part of a program that inspires the next generation of skilled professionals."

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