Shop Time With Josh

Everybody knows that I believe in hands-on experiences, and building - or creating - with my grandchildren is one of my favorite activities. Josh has been here visiting for the last few days and we have been getting our hands dirty, so-to-speak. 

I learned a lot about working with kids on various craft projects as a scoutmaster. I was deeply pained to see boys who were working on Indian Lore, Woodcarving or Basketry merit badges, throw their projects in the campfire when they had completed them. Clearly the counselors hadn't expected enough effort on the part of the boys so that they valued their effort. Eventually, I took several of these merit badges 'in-house' at camp so I could oversee the craftsmanship. We cut wooden carving blocks from a downed basswood tree that had been in our campsite. The camp maintenance guys helped us cut and dry them. Soon we were carving projects from a tree that had some meaning. I insisted that the projects take enough time and effort so that they were valued. Nearly every boy soon wanted an authentic Boone campsite hand-carved souvenir. I also insisted that Indian Lore raw materials be harvested using authentic Native American 'vision quest' techniques. The results were gratifying. I have had some former scouts tell me they still have these projects, fifteen  to twenty years later.

Tova's multicolored 'Pegasus Unicorn' was realized with equal parts fantasy and elbow grease. Annie painted her apple puzzle. Sam chose, assembled and nicely painted his Space Shuttle. LeeAnna carefully painted and assembled each detail of her 3D framed flowers.

 Of course, how much effort you expect from a child depends on age and ability. The youngest ones don't do much more than help plan subject matter and pick colors. Most can paint them. Enough effort also instills more handling care... and bragging rights. All are built with a large dose of fantasy. (Witness the futuristic military base setting for Josh's rocket.)  I was especially pleased when Josh also wanted to take the photos of his projects when we completed them. He chose the angles and the treatments. Taking a photo is another way of establishing pride in workmanship as well as signalling completion. The skills and habits involved in conceiving, starting and finishing projects, however small, are valuable life-skills for any child.