Youth Woodworking Program
It is about the child
In The Handwork Initiative’s program, the aim is to empower your child through craft. It's not about creating the next generation of craftspeople, but nurturing qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Like music and art, handwork enriches our lives, building confidence in ourselves and enhancing our ability to engage with the world around us.
In a woodworking class, children are in a self-paced environment where they are guided through a series of thoughtfully selected wooden build models. They receive training in the proper use of real hand tools such as carving knives, hand planes, and pull saws. The program has historic roots, drawing inspiration from the Swedish method known as Educational Slöjd, developed in the late 1800s and still practiced in many parts of Scandinavia today. Learn more about our methods & principles here.
The Handwork Initiative (THI) is working on bringing other handwork focused craft such as leatherwork, printmaking, and baking. If this is something you have a passion on seeing grow, any donation is extremely helpful and can be made here.
Like music and art, handwork enriches our lives, building confidence in ourselves and enhancing our ability to engage with the world around us.
In a woodworking class, children are in a self-paced environment where they are guided through a series of thoughtfully selected wooden build models. They receive training in the proper use of real hand tools such as carving knives, hand planes, and pull saws. The program has historic roots, drawing inspiration from the Swedish method known as Educational Slöjd, developed in the late 1800s and still practiced in many parts of Scandinavia today. Learn more about our methods & principles here.
The Handwork Initiative (THI) is working on bringing other handwork focused craft such as leatherwork, printmaking, and baking. If this is something you have a passion on seeing grow, any donation is extremely helpful and can be made here.
"Put a young man in a woodshop, his hands work to the advantage of his brain and he becomes a philosopher while thinking himself only a craftsman."
—Jean Jacques Rousseau
—Jean Jacques Rousseau
See it in Action
What people are saying ❤️
- "This was amazing! They enjoyed every minute."
- "He really enjoyed his time. I honestly almost cried the last day I picked him up. He was recently diagnosed with ADHD & every activity we’ve explored (including school) all I hear is how badly he’s doing. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have him experience something where the focus was not on the outcome but instead on the experience. It seemed like the adults involved encouraged & supported him everyday regardless of his attention span and skill level. Thank you! We will be back; he really wants to take his grandpa."
- "He loved the camp. It seemed like he was supported, but I like how it was self paced. Thank you for this great opportunity!"
FAQs
Don't hesitate to reach out here if the answers below don't address your questions!
Think of handwork like learning an instrument or taking music lessons. There is some benefit to just one lesson, but you really see the effects of music after repeated and consistent practice.
On the first day, the children are primarily exposed to the tools; they get to experience and learn what each one does. It is not until the third or fourth day that they really dive into a project. Like with an instrument, hours and hours of practice are needed for mastery.
On the first day, the children are primarily exposed to the tools; they get to experience and learn what each one does. It is not until the third or fourth day that they really dive into a project. Like with an instrument, hours and hours of practice are needed for mastery.
The projects increase in complexity, but Level 1 projects typically take between 1 and 4 days to complete.
However, this varies greatly from child to child. Some children are driven to perfect every last detail and refine their projects, while others are satisfied with simply meeting the basic requirements.
At The Handwork Initiative we do no set any time expectations, we want the child to learn and progress through curiosity and at a speed they are satisfied with their work.
However, this varies greatly from child to child. Some children are driven to perfect every last detail and refine their projects, while others are satisfied with simply meeting the basic requirements.
At The Handwork Initiative we do no set any time expectations, we want the child to learn and progress through curiosity and at a speed they are satisfied with their work.
We prioritize safety by providing thorough training on the proper use of each tool. While children are free to use the tools, our instructors carefully monitor their actions and promptly address any improper use or safety concerns.
When used correctly, the risk of serious injury is very low. Minor cuts or splinters may occasionally occur, which is a normal part of working with hand tools.
Additionally, beginner whittlers are required to wear cut-resistant gloves for added protection.
When used correctly, the risk of serious injury is very low. Minor cuts or splinters may occasionally occur, which is a normal part of working with hand tools.
Additionally, beginner whittlers are required to wear cut-resistant gloves for added protection.
Our program is a self-lead program designed to start at the beginning and build on skills through a curriculum of well thought out projects. This allows students from 8-14 to work in the same classroom whether this is their first class or their tenth class they will have the support and challenge to build on their woodworking skills.
We have instructors who will teach each student how to use a collection of hand tools with safety as a priority. They will also learn how tools work, how to maintain them, how to follow instructions, measure, problem solve and get creative. After initial instructions students are encouraged to learn hands on with help always available for more instruction with the goal of students learning through their independent experience.
The program is hand tool based, so no power tools of any sort are used.
Tape Measure, combinations square, marking awl, block plane, Japanese pull saws, palm brace, hand drills, are all at the core of what they will be using.
Tape Measure, combinations square, marking awl, block plane, Japanese pull saws, palm brace, hand drills, are all at the core of what they will be using.
Yes, we welcome parents to attend the first class to familiarize themselves with the tools and ask any questions to ensure you and your child feel comfortable.
After the first class, we kindly request that parents or guardians refrain from being visibly present, as we have observed that students tend to develop greater independence in their absence.
After the first class, we kindly request that parents or guardians refrain from being visibly present, as we have observed that students tend to develop greater independence in their absence.
The woodworking teacher is Nate Lamb. Who is the person that developed the woodworking curriculum and is the founder of THI. Nate has two kids, and is passionate about bringing the craft of woodworking to all. He truly believes that handwork and being a creator is a vital part of life.