Our Camps
Official Cornhole Set
Let the games begin! We have listened to the masses! Here students will construct an authentic cornhole set, completed with high quality materials and finished with custom graphics they design themselves. Designed for years of outdoor play, this build will by no means be a cheap knock off, but a truly professional quality set, and feature personalized surfaces of any theme they can imagine and create. The perfect addition to any hip backyard or patio scene next summer!
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
…and helicopters, motorcycles and ships! Each year in this camp students will choose to build some of the most impressive vehicles, transports, and aircraft found around the world. For 2026, we will dive in and construct the ultimate aircraft carrier. Of course some of our students may remember a version of this project but know that we have completely revamped the old style ship made in previous years. We have made it much more challenging and fun to make, added new graphics and features like modern aircraft and a plane launching system, and included an integrated storage deck to keep the squadron safe in all types of seas!
Classic Boardgames
Nothing beats boredom like building and playing these timeless classics. Here, students are guided through the process of making heirloom quality games, choosing from some of the all time greats of the field (and a few modern entries as well) These sturdy and well made pieces will be certain to provide hours of family fun with nary a screen in sight! All the favorites will be represented such as Chess and Checkers, Backgammon, Klask and FastPuck, ReBound and Shuffleboard, Skittles, and some you may not even have heard of yet! There will even be some small handmade wooden puzzles and mazes in the mix to construct as well! Game on!
Medieval Adventures
A camp for the Ages- the MEDIEVAL AGES that is! This camp will have several engaging projects to choose from and is designed for all kinds of builders and imagineers. Some may choose to build an authentic wooden sword and shield with custom features that they help design themselves. Fear not Lords and Ladies! There will be no sharp edges or points found on these creations, just some seriously cool details to make them suitable for both adventures and display. Swords and shields not on the list? Perhaps building a lighted staff and a magic wand or two, a nerf dart crossbow, or a working, rolling catapult is the answer. The good news is that they are all fun to make and are quite capable of laying siege to any sofa cushion fort, Lego castle or Barbie Dream House within range! Come join the campaign!
K to 1st Grade - Woodworking Grommets
Students in the K – 1 woodworking camps 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!
2nd to 4th Grade - Woodworking Open Studio
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 versatile material.
5th Grade and Older Woodworking Open Studio
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.
Model Rocketry
3...2...1...LAUNCH! In this class, students will explore the thrilling world of model rocketry. By designing and constructing a flyable model rocket capable of climbing to over 300ft, students will safely gain first hand experience in the principles of stable flight, aerodynamics, propulsion, and recovery. In addition to building the rocket, students will also be constructing a customized launch system from scratch, furthering their first hand exposure into all aspects of this exciting pastime. Emphasis will be placed on safety, sound craftsmanship and successful launch and recovery practices. The week will culminate with a trip to nearby Rockford Park to test their designs in real time.
Longboard Design -
The Ultimate Ride
Students will learn each of the steps in creating authentic wooden longboards. After reviewing various shapes and designs, students will decide what styles will work best, and continue by experimenting with procedures and techniques to bring their designs to life. Some aspects will be automated to ensure safety and accuracy, while others will be done completely freehand to reflect the creativity and skills of the student. Days will include instruction in both design and woodworking creating a strong foundation in each element of this dynamic process. By the end, participants will not only walk away with a beautiful, custom-made board, complete with top of the line components, but also the skills, knowledge, and confidence that go along with creating something entirely with their own hands.
Championship Nok Hockey Board
Did someone say NOK HOCKEY? LET'S GO!!!!!! In this class students will be creating their very own Championship Nok Hockey board. Based on the iconic 70’s game, students will love building the all new design that will include multiple, never before seen features such as movable goalie blocks and corner bumpers, score keepers, custom graphics, and foldable legs for a raised playing surface. Students will be provided with all the instruction, materials and guidance needed to create this truly customized and analog family heirloom guaranteed to provide hours of unplugged fun.
Society of Small Furniture Makers
This camp has been on our list for a long time and we are excited to finally get it going! Here students will delve into making small wooden furniture of various sizes and scales. Some pieces they choose to make will be suitable for small humans, while others might suit an 18 inch doll, stuffed animal, diabolical robot or action figure. But things can go smaller still! Students can have all kinds of fun working alone or together creating entire miniature rooms and scenes that look super realistic. This camp will be sure to ignite all imaginations - big and small!