In February, Bears from Pack 1601 had a great time completing their Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop. This activity was specifically developed for Bear Dens and provided the Bears with the opportunity to complete all of the requirements of the adventure:
The Bears actively participated in a discussion about shop and tool safety. They also learned about many useful tools to have in their tool box. They were given the opportunity to practice using a number of tools including a clamp, sanding block, hammer and nail punch and then applied these skills while working on their projects. In addition to their newfound skills and knowledge, each Bear left the woodshop with a fun Golf Tee Tic-Tac-Toe Board and their very own Cub Scout Tool Box. It was definitely a fun and memorable adventure in Michael’s Woodshop!
Michael’s Woodshop at Camp William B. Snyder is a great place for Scouts to create and learn. The Baloo the Builder Workshop is just one of many activities available in the wood shop. All programs in Michael’s Woodshop are run by a group of dedicated volunteers. With increasing demand for use of the shop, we are currently seeking to expand our roster of volunteers. In particular, we are seeking to add registered female adult leaders to the team to help support the increasing number of female youth participating in activities in Michael’s Woodshop.
For more information about the Baloo the Builder Workshop and other shop activities or to learn more about volunteer roles available, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage or email any questions and requests to the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com
Michael’s Woodshop at Camp William B. Snyder is pleased to welcome its first two Youth Apprentices to the Woodshop Team. Brian Staton and Alexander Alvarez have recently completed training with their assigned mentor and are looking forward to providing assistance to the volunteer Shop Stewards during upcoming events. In particular, Brian and Alexander will be providing assistance during our upcoming PWD Days events where they will guide and assist Cub Scouts and parents through the car building process. In addition, they will be assisting during other shop activities such as Den activities, merit badge classes, and Eagle Scout projects.
On February 9, Two Dens from Pack 1601, Powhatan District, attended their own Pack session in Michael’s Woodshop to work on a tool box project. During the process, the Cub Scouts received a shop safety briefing and were able to learn and apply many basic woodworking skills. They were instructed and guided in the use of a tape measure, hand saw, drill press, hammer, nail punch and sanding block. 
Parents in attendance were able to assist during the process making this an excellent parent/Cub Scout experience. At the end of their session, each Cub Scout had completed the project and went home with a sense of accomplishment and their very own tool box!
Michael’s Woodshop was designed to be a hands-on work space for use by Scouts of all ages to learn and create. For information about shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the 
Michael’s Woodshop at Camp William B. Snyder just completed its second annual series of Pinewood Derby Days. During the 2019-20 season, Michael’s Woodshop held 13 Pack Sessions, 3 Den Sessions and 5 Open Registration Sessions during which Cub Scouts, Siblings (and a few parents) built 376 cars!
well-defined process to walk Cub Scouts through each step to build their car. The sessions begin with a safety briefing which is then followed by a series of work stations; re-drilling axel holes (if permitted), designing/design templates, cutting, sanding and adjusting the car weight. All necessary tools are provided and the work is supervised by a group of volunteer Shop Stewards. At the end of their work session, Cub Scouts leave the shop with paint-ready cars, axel polishing kits and huge smiles!
To get a better understanding of this event, please see the “View our Process” link on the Pinewood Derby Days webpage which has many good photos of Cub Scouts in action. As you will see, these sessions are engaging and are great fun for Cub Scouts, parents (and volunteers). We are already looking forward to the 2020-21 season!
Woodshop holds monthly Woodwork Merit Badge Sessions and a monthly Woodworking 101 Class, which is now open up to both Scouts and adults. The shop may also be reserved for Unit activities, District events, Eagle Scout projects and many other Scouting activities. The volunteer Shop Stewards are experienced woodworkers and are available to help you plan and carry out a successful event. For information about shop capabilities, upcoming events, reserving the shop or to learn more about volunteering, please visit the Camp Snyder website or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com
