Woodcrafts

 

Why do we use crafts?

"Woodworking offers children experiences that promote self-esteem and confidence because it allows them to take part in what is normally perceived as an adult experience. They want to feel big and important.

Boys love working with wood because it is so different from other activities. It allows them to use their senses—they smell and feel the wood, hear the clacking and hammering, see the colors and grain of the wood, see and touch the wood shapes. Unlike paint-and-paper activities, woodworking allows them to explore in three dimensions. Producing a tangible object provides satisfaction."

Boys get pride in making something, they learn to use tools, and every boy needs to know how to use tools. Crafts teach other skills as well, measuring, drawing, coordination, muscle development, concentration, Its also good for those boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Woodworking keeps their hands and minds busy and focused.

Crafts are also good for you. They enable you to have really good den meetings. The first thing to remember when doing any craft is to consider the ages and abilities of the boys. We don’t want to bore them or discourage them. The next thing is safety, although SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST. See the handout below and the Guide To Safe Scouting for suggestions and guidelines.

Keep the boys busy and have fun!

PS - Keep a first age kit handy; a good opportunity to teach first aid.

 

Pow Wow Handouts:

Additional Resources:

  1. Scout Books
    • Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps
    • Roundtable Packets
    • Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Activity Books
    • Cub Scout Fun Book
    • Cub Scout Leader How To Book
    • Boys Life
    • Pow Wow Books
    • Guide To Safe Scouting
  2. Local Stores
    • Michaels, The Arts And Craft Store - craft kits and paint, look for sales
    • The Home Depot – woodworking classes
    • Lowes - woodworking classes
    • A.C. Moore – craft kits and paint, look for sales
    • Hobby Stores
    • Harbor Freight Stores - discount tools
    • The Loading Dock - recycled building materials (cheap)
  3. World Wide WEB

It's not what the boy does to the board that matters, it's what the board does to the boy. 

Bud Bennett