Workshop question

[woodenshoe1]

Just wondering if anybody could give me some advice for doing a workshop for my Awana club. We've never had one and I've never done one. I did get some ideas from some people at Derby Talk but wanted to get as much help as possible. Thanks in advance.

Wooden Shoe

[builderjim]

WS,

One thing I will tell you about workshops is that it's a lot of fun to help or hold one. The Kids that generally attend these are excited about being able to build their car and see it take shape right then and there. The last 3 years I helped with the Cub Scout workshop, we concentrated on making sure that each one of the kids were able to get the cars near completion, minus paint. Depending on how many you have planning to attend, scheduling is the key. You don't want to have 2 Adults and 15 kids waiting for the adults attention to help with the cars. Remind your parents that they are encouraged to come and help with the workshop.

Jim

[FAST Racing]

I second that!!! Not sure who has more fun the kids or ME ;D ;D

We try to hold several Construction Workshops, over several
weekends. I've found that holding 2 or more allows for more
flexibility in Parents/Kids schedules- Soccer/Band/Gymnastics ect....

I discourage "Drive-By Parenting", what I mean is drive-up and
drop off the child- then come back later. There are exceptions,
of course, but those must be prearranged.

Also ask Parents to bring extra power tools if they have them.
Depending on how many attend, I've found that a couple of
extra power drills moves along the bottle-neck prone Stations-
sanding wheels and polishing axles.

Hope this helps...

[woodenshoe1]

Thanks Guys,

I really like the idea of involving the parents at the workshop. Jim, what have you found to work for smooth scheduling? Anyone else have any other ideas on workshops please chime in!

Wooden Shoe

[builderjim]

WS,

Depending on the group size, I would break it down such that a child/adult partner get at least 15-20 minutes of your attention if you are the only one running the thing. It would be beneficial for you to get together a sign-up sheet and have them schedule when they will be there. You could probably get 4 child/adult partners working on a car at once for a total of 1 hour. The time separations between groups is your choice as to how much time to alot each group.

It might be good to put together some type of handout before the workshop so that each parent can preview what is expected of them, especially if they are new to the derby car building. Some parents don't know where to start and create weighing problems for themselves by cutting the car before figuring out where to put the weight. Guidance on your part is the key to helping the families.

Jim

[j2ce]

WS,

I agree wi th FAST and Jim, A sign up sheet at your next meeting is definately in order. We broke it down to three at our Pack. Meeting 1 Rules, Design, and Shop Safety (Wolf dens take advantage of this for there achievment) some of the older kids bring there past designs to show off and we'll have photos of what we have seen on the internet; Cutting; Sanding and Painting; Last but not least is Axle and Wheel preparation as allowed by the Pack/District/Coucil; Use several tables for tool stations (A table for Scroll Saw Band Saw or Coping saws) no child is allowed to use power tools without there parent present and we also have a leader to do the cutting where the parent is not familiar with the power tool; A table where you have a Belt Sander (again the parent must be present with the child) or block sanders (not an issue with the kids; A table for painting (Parents present while the child sprays) and a table for drying). The kids get up and does one part of the job at each station.

[woodenshoe1]

Jim,
Your ideas on scheduling is just what I needed. I already have a handout that each child gets when the purchase a kit. I put it together and many parents found it very helpful.
J2ce,
Thanks for your input as well. We can only have one workshop in Jan. but I am going to have two question and answer times after Awana. (Nov./Dec.) If anyone else has other ideas, please feel free to share!

Wooden Shoe