Welcome to our fifth year of Summer Sessions! Your children will work with others their own age in a safe and relaxed environment, learning the real life skills to construct quality wooden projects that will last for years to come. These sessions are structured to provide ample time for both exploration and reinforcement in the woodworking craft, and there are always dozens of project examples to choose from. No matter what their level of experience, from Dad's tool getter, to the workshop helper, to the weekend fort builder, to the pinewood derby expert, these sessions are geared to bring out that inner engineer in all boys and girls! Any children working on their own ideas and designs out there? Fantastic! The SHW provides a great oppurtunity where kids can work alongside an instructor in order to bring their ideas to life. Come on, what are you waiting for? Join us for Summer Sessions at the Silver Hammer Workshop!
Students at this grade level will be exposed to many of the basic tools used to create projects at the SHW. Squares and rulers, files, rasps and sandpaper, planes, hand drills, screw drivers, and of course, hammers and nails are all used . Through interactive demonstrations and practice, children are constantly working on the processes used to join, shape, and surface wood. They will create projects specifically designed for young hands and will work at their own pace in a fun and upbeat environment - one where safety is consistently reinforced and the basics of good craftsmanship are introduced right away. Emphasis here is on techniques and exploration of the medium, and is not always project-based. What a great way to start a love of woodworking!
Grades 3 and 4
Many students at the SHW have begun their woodworking journey at this age. Having developed the motor skills necessary to attempt more complex projects, they will begin by learning to use hand saws correctly in order to crosscut and dimension wood -a big step in allowing them to complete projects entirely from scratch. As they work alongside their instructor, students will learn to follow plans, measure, mark, and cut accurately, and assemble their own projects. Along the way, they will discover what can and can't be done easily, and have a fantastic time exploring the different properties of this versitile material.
Grades 5 through 7
5th and 6th grade students will have various opportunities to add their own creativity to projects at this level of woodworking. By changing simple design features, projects can take on much more individuality and provide outlets for the child's own ideas. Joinery and assembly techniques can range from easy to advanced, and students will often work with different woods then previously used, such as mahogany, oak, and walnut. If time permits, they will learn to apply various stains and finishes, and even begin to design some of their own projects. Here, more emphasis is placed on attaining quality craftsmanship in the final product and with proper guidance, the student is encouraged to take creative risks with his or her piece.
Grades 7 and 8
Depending on their level of experience, 7th and 8th graders will often work on more advanced projects that could take more than one session to complete. They will continue to work predominantly with hand tools, but will also be introduced to some of the basic power tools used in the studio. Shop safety continues to be stressed at this level, and the student will work closely with the instructor in all stages of the project to ensure each step is carried out safely and effectively. In addition to the traditional project choices at the SHW, students will be encouraged to bring in their own designs to work on and can even work with friends on larger group-based projects under the guidance of a professional woodworker. The sky is the limit!
In all groups, as a student progresses through new sessions at the
Silver Hammer Workshop, they will continue to develop their skills and
broaden their knowledge of this wonderful medium. They will discover
even more intricate tools and explore new designs as their talent
grows. Once students have worked through the numerous projects
available to their group, they can begin to research and design their
own project entirely. Limitations will be put in place pertaining to
project materials, size, and time constraints. However, every effort
will be made to encourage and accomodate the students imagination and
creativity.
