In July, Camp William B. Snyder hosted Scout Specialty Week, its first ever Scouts BSA Merit Badge Week. Among the extensive merit badge offerings, Michael’s Woodshop offered the Woodwork Merit Badge, accommodating fourteen youth during three “double length” sessions offered during the week. Scouts began the week covering the “non-tool-use” requirements; shop safety, first aid, lumber milling, curing and grading and tool sharpening. Then the real fun began! Scouts created three projects, each demonstrating the use of different tools, joints or cuts and then designed and built their own project.
The three projects worked on during the week were the Classic Tool Box, a Wooden Mallet (renamed “Thor’s Hammer” by the Scouts) and a Cell Phone Stand. Each project allowed Scouts to use different tools and to learn and practice certain skills and techniques. Scout creativity was on full display during the “design your own” projects with a great range of interesting projects including paper towel holders, PWD car displays, coat racks and even an airplane and a boat! Thirteen of fourteen Scouts fully completed their requirements with the final Scout’s completion contingent only on earning his Totin’ Chip (the only requirement Scouts needed to complete outside of class). It was a very successful week in the woodshop! Check out our slideshow Scout Specialty Week 2021 to see more of the fun.
Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round and is a great venue for Scouts to create and learn. Woodwork Merit Badge classes are offered monthly and Troops may also schedule their own merit badge sessions. In addition, the shop may also be reserved for other Unit activities such as our Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops, conservation projects and Eagle Scout Projects.
Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about the shop capabilities and upcoming events or for information about reserving the shop. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com
Council-wide Roundtable, Wednesday, August 18th, 2021
Is it too early to start inspiring our future generation of scientists? Heck No! That’s what 50 Cub Scouts, boys and girls ranging in age from 6 – 10, discovered while having “Fun with a Purpose” exploring becoming scientists at the STEM-focused Aquia District Cub Scout Day Camp held at Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, from June 28 – July 2. The Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell said: “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” And did this ever prove to be true – Everyone left already excited about coming back for next year’s Camp!
Elena Ziu discovered Michael’s Woodshop while her son was working on his Woodworking MB. The shop reminded her of her days at the University of Virginia where as an experimental physicist she often modified or built parts for her experimental apparatus in a machine shop. Elena has been active in Scouting since 2016 and currently serves as NCAC STEM Counselor and Powhatan Crew 160 Advisor.
Ayaan A. is an Eagle Scout with Troop 1548. While working on his Eagle Scout Project in Michael’s Woodshop, he was “bitten” by the woodworking bug (we would apologize, but it would not be sincere…). Ayaan has a goal of earning a Gold Congressional Service Award (requires 400 service hours) and has decided to combine his new interest in woodworking with his desire to serve others.
Mihai Z. is a First Class Scout with Troop 160. He loves playing trumpet and serves as bugler for his Troop. Mihai completed the Woodworking MB Spring 2021 and now has three hobbies he loves: woodworking, model rocketry, and 3D model design and printing. Mihai is already excited to try out our newly donated CNC machine. (And the adult volunteers are happy to have a teenager around to teach us how to use it!)