July 11, 2024
Here, in what appears, at first glance, to be just a junkyard, is the
“School of Junkology”.
Local business owner, Doug Busbee, has a yard full of “junk” & a heart full of gold. Each
summer, he employs at-risk youth and teaches them trade skills and life lessons. Doug Busbee
likes to call this his “School of Junkology”!
While this keeps owner Doug Busbee busy, organizing tasks and delegating work for the
present day, the real reward comes later.
What is the “School of Junkology”?
The “School of Junkology” is Doug’s way of giving back to the community. Every summer, 4-5
teenage youth, primarily boys, work at Busbee’s Truck Parts. While some have a safe and
secure upbringing, many come from troubled backgrounds; parents on drugs, abusive homes,
or sometimes no home. No judgment, all are welcome to come and learn. A believer in second
chances, Doug offers the opportunity for employment at Busbee’s like a second chance.
The youth learn the skills needed to hold a job.
Over the summer, interns have a structure and set expectations to follow. A routine established,
such as showing up to work on time every day. A good work ethic is a must! The youth are
employees and gain work experience and trade skills that can provide the foundation for a
productive life. Hands-on work in the sweltering South Carolina heat teaches them how to be
resilient.
Stocking shelves and sorting inventory shows them organization. Reconnecting wires, removing
parts of an engine, and changing tires on many used vehicles, teach them about the electrical
or mechanical workings. It also shows them how to use the tools they have around them.
In the backyard, beyond the dogs, grazes a herd of sheep and a donkey that need tending, too.
Daily feeding, how to trim hooves, identifying an ailment, and administering treatment or
medication are all part of the curriculum. Observation skills and time management are part of
keeping up with daily activities.
Furthermore, they work with others. Communication is essential. Shy or scared, these youth
grow in their ability to communicate with people and their self-confidence.
Alongside the hands-on skills, the youth gain several mentors at Busbee’s Truck Parts.
Long-time employees Larry and John assist Doug with teaching them as much as possible over
the summer. These men provide positive examples of adulthood for the youth. For the time, at
least, that they are there, these youth are family.
Intangible life skills!
In addition to using power tools and driving a vehicle with a clutch (yes, those still exist), the
youth learn intangible life skills such as responsibility and survival. Several have learned to
swim during their summer employment. Doug Busbee, owner of Busbee Truck Parts, goes
above and beyond what many employers provide. Often arranges camping trips to the
mountains for them to be able to see the world beyond the small scope that has limited them.
Youth on board this summer
While speaking with the youth on board this summer, the sentiment echoes the lessons. All of
them agree that they are learning manners and tactical skills that can help them in their
aspirations to move on to careers as mechanics or welders later in life. Each of them plans to
stay on for the remaining summers through graduation, a testimony to the value and positive
impact the time and effort spent teaching and mentoring the youth has garnered.
Onsite at Busbee Truck Parts, there are a couple of “School of Junkology” graduates who have
returned as regular employees after graduation. At least four others have moved on to become
state troopers, thanks to their experience and values learned here. Driving by, you see truck
cabs, containers, trailers, and a warehouse-type building, which looks like a junkyard. But for
many- especially young men, inside is a School of Junkology.
Doug Busbee and his team teach priceless life lessons and give back to the community!
“We can’t save them all, but we can try to do all we can to make the world a better place.”
