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NAHB participated in The Big Build on Nov. 5 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The event’s goal was to introduce kids to a wide range of building skills, inspire curiosity and explore various hands-on activities from construction industry professionals, such as roofing and remodeling.

The Big Build attracted thousands of children and their families from the nation’s capitol region including, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Nearly two dozen exhibitors, including NAHB, helped children learn about various trades and how building contributes to improving communities. The action-packed day included a nail-driving contest and a structural engineering station with an earthquake simulator to demonstrate how structures can be more stable.

Long lines formed at NAHB’s booth in the Great Hall of the Building Museum. NAHB’s Workforce Development, Student Chapters and Young Professionals staff engaged kids and parents at the booth by handing out NAHB-branded stickers, careers in construction flyers and swag.

The main attraction at the NAHB booth was the construction “snack-tivity,” which consisted of building a house using only edible materials. With graham crackers, icing, pretzels and candy, staff encouraged the children to be creative and problem-solve while constructing their homes.

“The NAHB booth was buzzing with excitement not only from the kids but from the parents,” said Greg Zick, AVP Workforce Development. “NAHB is proud to play a pivotal role in helping to inspire kids to consider a career in construction in our nation’s capitol.”

Also at the event was The House that She Built book booth, which gave out free copies of the book compliments of MiTek. In addition, the author Mollie Elkman, read in the Storytime room and autographed books.

NAHB has a variety of construction-build guides and lesson plans available for members and home builders’ associations. For a complete list, visit the workforce development resources section.