Dan Beard Council Plans Skilled Trades Center for Boy Scouts at Camp Friedlander

In response to the challenging job market in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky due to low unemployment rates, the Dan Beard Council is taking action to introduce young people to skilled trades as viable career paths. The council intends to construct a new Skilled Trades Center at its 550-acre Camp Friedlander site. Named after the co-founder of the Boy Scouts, the Dan Beard Council represents the local chapter of this longstanding youth organization, which has been serving the community for over 110 years.

BHDP is the architect and designer for this innovative project, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the Dan Beard Council's vision. We aim to create a state-of-the-art 12,000-SF facility that meets the practical needs of skilled trades training while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.

The center will not only provide comprehensive training in various trades but also serve as a hub for community engagement. It will feature a layout comprising more than eight to 10 specialized “bays” (or sections) tailored to various trades such as plumbing, electricity, welding, carpentry, and automotive maintenance. Each section will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and equipment, ensuring that participants receive hands-on training in a safe space. The facility would also be available to the community and offer participating organizations a chance to connect with potential future employees.

Timothy Hague, Director of Operations for Integrated Industrial Design at BHDP and a Scout Leader, expressed his excitement for the project, stating, “This project holds a special significance for me, as it combines my passion for scouting with my professional expertise in industrial design. I have been active in this organization with my son for almost 10 years and highly value the Scout mission. Through this initiative, we're shaping futures and empowering the next generation of tradespeople.”

Architect Kevin Goldstein, who is leading the design effort for BHDP, added, “Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout taught me the importance of service and made a significant impact on who I am today. Leading this project allows me to apply my architectural expertise and give back to an organization that has shaped my values and character."

Construction is slated to begin late this summer or early this fall. The facility is tentatively scheduled to open in June of 2025.

See additional news coverage on the Cincinnati Enquirer.