YOUTH Woodworking SERIES

A supportive, skill-building hands-on woodworking workshop for youth

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6705702

DATES: Tuesdays:  July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, August 4th, 11th 2026

TIME: 10am-2pm

COST: $549 plus HST. Includes basic material costs. Project scope may require more materials covered by participant.

Instructors: Jennifer Harris & Ron Furino

Overview

Youth Woodworking Series is a hands-on, empowering, woodworking program designed by intention for new learners. Over six Tuesday mornings, participants will design and build a personal woodworking project of their choice, guided every step of the way by professional instruction in a supportive, environment.

This is a space to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, build skills, and leave with something real—both in your hands and in your confidence. Create and build projects that are accessible.

No pressure. No experience necessary. Just solid skills, good tools, and great support.

Purpose & Intention

This program focuses on:

• Building confidence in the woodshop

• Developing foundational woodworking skills

• Creating a safe, welcoming environment to learn and practice at your own pace

What You’ll Do

Participants will:

• Learn and develop shop safety and best practices

• Practice and operate safely hand tools, power tools, and stationary machines

• Design and plan a personal woodworking project

• Work through the full build process—from idea, design, to a complete finished piece.

• Practice clean, organized, and respectful shop habits

• Collaborate, learn together, and celebrate progress

Course Flow (Week-by-Week Skills Progression)

Welcome to the Shop

• Introductions & program orientation

• Shop guidelines & culture

• Personal safety and safe work habits

• Introduction to the woodshop and tools

Tools & Confidence

• Safe operation of hand tools and power tools

• Understanding stationary machines

• Hands-on tool practice

Design Your Project

• Project idea development

• Materials selection

• Creating drawings to scale

• Developing a cutting list

Build Begins

• Machine work & breakout sessions

• Machining and shaping parts

• Ongoing instruction and support

Assembly & Sanding

• Joinery and assembly techniques

• Sanding for strength and finish quality

Finish & Celebrate

• Finishing techniques

• Final assembly

• Group clean-up and shop reset

• Share your finished project and celebrate your work

Core Skills & Competencies

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Identify and practice personal safety in a woodshop

• Safely operate:

  • Portable hand tools

  • Portable power tools

  • Stationary woodworking machines

• Maintain clean, organized workstations

• Read drawings and follow a cutting list

• Work independently and confidently in a shared shop space

• Participate in respectful group clean-up and shop care

Why This Works

• Small group (6-10 participants)

• Consistent weekly time = real progress

• Project-based learning = meaningful outcomes

• Professional instruction + peer support = confidence that sticks