During Camp Snyder’s Fall Family Camping events, Michael’s Woodshop officially began its fourth year of operations and it certainly got off to a great start! During the two family camping weekends, over 30 families visited the wood shop and had the opportunity for some hands-on woodworking fun. Families were able to select from a variety of projects including game boards, tool boxes and bird houses. During the events, Michael’s Woodshop debuted its newly donated CNC machine and was able to add the fleur de lis image to youth projects. To view more of the fun, please see our 2021 Family Camping slideshow.
Since its opening in 2018, Michael’s Woodshop has offered high quality programs that directly support the Aims & Methods of Scouting across all youth age groups. Michael’s Woodshop has continued to operate core programs such as the Pinewood Derby Days car building sessions, monthly Woodwork merit badge sessions and has supported many Eagle Scout projects. During the past year, new Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It workshops were developed to support Cub Scouts in completing these adventures. In addition, this past summer a visit to Michael’s Woodshop was added to Camp Snyder’s Day Camp and Resident Weekend programs and Michael’s Woodshop supported the camp’s first ever merit badge week. Finally, the first Summit Award Project was hosted in the shop this fall.
Michael’s Woodshop is a fantastic resource available to all NCAC youth. It is a hands-on work space that was designed for use by Scouts of all ages to create and learn. The shop is maintained and operated by a group of volunteers who are also available to help plan and carry out events. Michael’s Woodshop may be reserved for Unit activities, District events, Eagle Scout projects and many other Scouting activities. For information about shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com
In November, Cole S. of Troop 424 attended his second merit badge session in Michael’s Woodshop and completed all of the requirements to earn the Woodwork merit badge. He arrived well prepared with materials and project plans and was able to make a DVD/game storage console, two versions of a cell phone stand and a bird house. While completing the requirements, Cole used a classic “brace and bit”, various saws, a hand plane and more. In his projects he demonstrated several incised cuts and built a project with beveled edges. Not only did he complete all of the requirements, he also earned the distinction of being the 50th Scout to earn the Woodwork merit badge in Michael’s Woodshop. Congratulations!
Earning the Woodwork merit badge requires a certain level of interest and dedication. In addition to learning about shop safety, first aid, tool sharpening and various aspects of lumber production, there are four projects to complete. Youth must demonstrate the use of certain tools, joinery and cutting techniques and project estimating skills. Scouts who earn this merit badge should take pride in their achievement.
We’re looking for Merit Badge Counselors for the first-ever Camp Snyder Scouts BSA Merit Badge Week, July 19 – 23. Come and be a part of creating an amazing week for Scouts BSA of all ranks as they learn in the outdoors.