They Also Build: A Day in the Life at an NYA Girls' Center

This silent documentary provides an intimate look into a typical day at the National Youth Administration (NYA) Girls' Center in Cherrydale, Kansas, showcasing the diverse activities and skills training provided for young women.

Morning Routine: The day begins with the girls waking up and engaging in calisthenics, promoting a healthy lifestyle. After breakfast, they clean their rooms, instilling a sense of responsibility and order.
Vocational Training: A significant part of the day is dedicated to vocational skills. The girls are seen cutting patterns, designing dresses, and operating sewing machines, which not only hones their sewing abilities but also encourages creativity and design. They also participate in other domestic arts like washing clothes and quilting, skills that were highly valued for personal and professional life.
Administrative Skills: Typing is another activity shown, preparing the girls for clerical work, which was a common employment opportunity for women of the era.
Physical Education and Recreation: The film captures the girls engaging in sports like volleyball, baseball, and tennis, emphasizing physical fitness, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Evening Activities: Cooking supper is part of their daily routine, followed by dancing among themselves, providing a moment of leisure and social interaction. The day concludes with them going to bed, ready for another day of learning and growth.
Special Events: Highlighted in the documentary is a style show where the girls model the clothes they've made, demonstrating their hard work, creativity, and the practical application of their sewing skills in a celebratory context.

"They Also Build" reflects the NYA's holistic approach to preparing young women for both work and life, emphasizing education, skill acquisition, physical health, and social engagement during the Great Depression.