The manuscript for Scrap Wood Fun for Kids is based on ten years' experience of the author as a camp counselor, of which the past five seasons have been devoted exclusively to developing a wood shop program for a day camp serving boys and girls five to twelve years of age. This material has been carefully designed to meet the needs of recreational groups seeking simple wood projects to be built from inexpensive materials that use ordinary household tools and require a minimum of working time.

The projects and shop techniques described on the following pages were tested in a camp wood shop serving youngsters of elementary school age. These children exhibited a wide range of interest and ability in woodcraft. Some had the advantage of previous shop experience; others were attempting wood work for the first time. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a shop program that would challenge the interests and skills of the more experienced children and yet permit those with no previous shop training to achieve some degree of satisfaction. A "project centered" approach to wood shop instruction proved most effective.

The child's attention was focused upon a simple wood article which he selected from a number of samples graded to meet the interests and abilities of his age group. The child was then provided with the necessary tools and materials, and the operations involved in constructing the article were explained. In order to make the best use of the limited time available, it was often necessary for the instructor to prepare in advance pre-cut blocks on which the pattern for each piece of the project could be outlined. This made it possible for the child to begin immediately to cut out the pieces with jigsaw or coping saw, sandpaper them, and assemble his project within approximately one hour of working time. Thus, shop skills were taught by means of carefully planned steps in the construction of a specific article. The emphasis was placed on the completion of the project rather than upon the mastery of the skill, because this approach enabled each child to progress at his own rate, seeking individual help when he reached a difficult step. It also made it possible for the instructor to deal more effectively with the wide range of ability which was encountered.

It should be noted at this point that a shop program based entirely upon short-term projects that are constructed from prepared materials has certain inherent weaknesses. This approach is something of a compromise between the "kit" projects in which all pieces are finished and ready for assembly, and the undirected or "creative" approach which requires the child to design his own project, using the materials at hand. Each has a recognized place in the child's over-all shop training and experience. The projects in this book are intended to minimize the more tedious aspects of woodcraft and yet make use of simple but effective techniques for imparting character to pieces of scrap wood. Within the basic design of these projects there is considerable opportunity for originality and creativity in adding decorative touches. However, the value of the material in this book lies principally in its application to recreational shop programs in which working time and cost of materials are limiting factors. It is not intended to comprise the whole of any child's shop experience. Once these projects have succeeded in stimulating the child's interest and in developing his self-confidence, the young craftsman will be encouraged to exercise his imagination and his skills in designing his own articles.

It is hoped that this collection of projects will find wide application in all types of recreational shop programs serving children. This material should be particularly suited to camps, centers, Y groups, Scout groups, elementary schools with shop facilities, and of course, the home workshop.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...