Woodturning for kids
John K Jordan
Earlier this month our club had a series of classes for some kids, the 2015 Educational Program at Wares Valley Ranch. We got to spend time with 24 wonderful children and introduce them to woodturning. Each took home at least one small project. They were SO excited!!
(She wanted to make a rolling pin to roll out cookie dough, even if it was short. Finish complements of my honeybees. I wore a WoodCentral shirt. Ha!)
Each class met for one hour each week for three weeks in a row, 4 to a class, two classes per day, two instructors for each class. We had three classes each week. Bob Law and I took the Thursday classes
(The poor lighting didn't stop anything!)
The club members supplied lathes, tools, wood, and other supplies. I think every child made a pen to take with them plus ornaments, candle holders, rolling pins, etc. Even the youngest kids got hands-on experience, even if they did need "a little" help. Safety was stressed. The only casualty was the starter capacitor on one of my mini lathes!
The plan is to continue this next year, acquire equipment for the ranch through grants and donations, and train some of the staff so they can work with the kids year around. This was such a success I understand the ranch wants to build a new building for a permanent space.
(Me, left, and Bob, center, with the last class and friends. After the first day I took a platform for the girl in the center to stand on!)
Good clean fun! I certainly hope to do this again next the time.
JKJ
