Three Capitol-region municipalities have teamed with YWCA to remedy that gap. Hartford, East Hartford and Bloomfield are on a mission to increase gender, racial, LGBTQ, neighborhood, age and politically unaffiliated diversity on boards and commissions.
The camp attracted a range of boys with differing skill levels. But all shared praise for what they learned.
Bryson Faust, 18, of Bethlehem said he has always been interested in learning how to cut hair. Upon returning from training for the National Guard in May, he saw an opportunity to pursue his passion when he spotted the academy advertised on Facebook. It was a good experience from the start, Faust said. I knew this was where I was supposed to be, and it s been a good journey so far.
Faust said his interest in cutting hair came from the relationship he had with his barbershop growing up. Over the course of the month, he learned how to not only be a better barber, but how to develop more confidence.
We don t push firearms but we kind of give that boutique feel to firearm selection, said Gray.
The gun shop owner has been an instructor for 9 years. He s also been working at a private range for the past 5 years and has managed the range for the past 2 years.
Elbert Gray working with a pistol safety class participant. Gray s class are given the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of firearms and shoot pistols. A lot of times, we have people who come in and they don t know how to properly hold a gun, said Gray. We take the time to show you and talk to you about your grip, we show you how to take your firearms apart put them back together and properly clean and maintain them.