I had an opportunity today to take three of our granddaughters to one of the local home improvement stores (guess which one…), for an exciting Catamaran build. This is a free program at both orange, and blue, home improvement centers, for children of all ages.
Mellisa, from our local orange store Customer Service Department, was charged to conduct the program for two hours, which she did wonderfully! And in less than a half an hour, our three girls had built their first sailing ship, with canvas sail and pontoons.
Of course, the questions went from “Papa, will this kato-moroon really float?”, to “Papa, this wood is really hard!” I was busy taking photographs, and concentrated primarily on the facial expressions. What do you think? Looking through several dozen photos I took during this construction project was priceless - I will probably go along for the next several project builds.
The local home improvement retailers all have active programs for the children year-round. It is a terrific Community activity in which more parents should enroll their children, as it will plant woodworking seeds that are likely to last a lifetime.
Our granddaughter #2, S., never misses an opportunity to spend quality time with me in the shop. And I enjoy the experience every single time, for lasting memories are made of such special moments.
I present three of our granddaughters, immediately after completing their catamaran. Mellisa, the instructor, is the young lady on the left. To her left is E., four years old (granddaughter #4); then S., (#2), seven; and on the right is M. (#3), six:
E. had to try even the floor, to drive the nails in “…this really hard wood!”, while her two sisters worked away and concentrated on their project:
Stuart
on June 8 2008
What a cool thing to do, for you (Papa), for the girls, for the instructor, and for the store. Winners all around!
The store from a community spirit point of view, which has huge marketing benefits, the instructor who probably has a lot of fun watching her young charges go from wondering what it is all about, and a total lack of confidence, to weilding hammers etc like a pro, and seeing their confidence soar.
The girls - immeasurable impact on so many levels, and they would have loved it as well. It’s not just sewing woodworking seeds, but the whole self confidence, them learning that they can actually do things for themselves, that not every object needs to be purchased, and there are rewards in creating something yourself etc.
And for you - that’s what Grandpas are for isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing the story Al
Jonathan
on June 10 2008
Wow, it looks like fun, thanks for sharing!
3 hammers and no tears! I think I would have whacked myself in the finger at least once!
Jonathan
Al (Sandal Woods)
on June 10 2008
Stuart,
A most definite YES! This is definitely for grandpas and grandmas - but grandma (Nana) HAS been giving her best over the last many weeks, as they are now in a new home.
.
Jonathan,
It WAS pretty amazing that no fingers were hurt at all. Of course, they have had some practice in our shop, too!
Schummie
on June 11 2008
Al, you must be a proud man, whit your wife of course, 3 lovely granddaughters woodworking whit grandpa.
This are great days to enjoy.
Love from the Netherlands
Al (Sandal Woods)
on June 11 2008
Schummie,
.
Thanks! We are so proud of our girls, and they are very special. It is a treat to do woodworking with them.
The Village Carpenter
on June 12 2008
The girls are adorable, Al, and you’re a terrific Papa!
Al (Sandal Woods)
on June 12 2008
VC,
Thanks - we love them to pieces!