Normally in Michael’s Woodshop, we use the expression “like kids in a candy store” to describe either our shop volunteers (who just love to be in the shop) or parents who are visiting the shop for the first time and find themselves admiring the well-organized array of tools and great workspace. However, this summer we also used the phrase to describe the Cub Scouts who attended Day Camp and Resident Weekends at Camp Snyder. During their stay, they had the chance to visit Michael’s Woodshop and create their very own candy dispenser. It was a great hands-on project and over the course of the summer the Cub Scouts made 564 candy dispensers!!!
The process started with a safety briefing and some brief assembly instructions and then the fun began! Cub Scouts were guided by camp staff and volunteers in drilling, gluing and nailing together their dispensers. After the assembly process was completed, Cub Scouts sanded all the corners and edges and were then given the opportunity to stamp their project with the official “Handcrafted in Michael’s Woodshop” brand. It was great fun and the activity in Michael’s Woodshop was rated as one of the youth favorites. To see more great photos from summer camp, please link to our Activity Slideshows and view Summer Camp in Michael’s Woodshop 2022.
Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round and is a great venue for Scouts to create and learn. In addition to supporting summer camp and family camping weekends, Michael’s Woodshop offers a number of regular and seasonal activities such as merit badge classes and our annual Pinewood Derby Days! The shop may be reserved by Dens for our Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops and may also be reserved for many other events such as District events, Pack & Troop activities and Eagle Scout Projects.
Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about the shop capabilities, upcoming events and 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
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.