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…
... 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…
You will see the rest of the article on my blog. Edit to add: In the meantime, here they are, with their Catamaran completed:
Some things on which I would love to hear your comments:
1. Does your local home improvement retailer have similar programs?
2. If they do, are they also free?
3. Do they have the program year-round?
4. Do they provide the kits to parents of children unable to attend in-store?
Thanks!
Al
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
4 comments so far
fredf
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188 posts in 195 days
posted 124 days ago
Neat! unfortunately I have a 3 or 4 year wait, my dil is due end of Aug with gs #1, though I think the ultrasound showed a screwdriver in his hand . . . . .His dad was pretty precocious with things mechanical
-- Fred, Springfield, Ma
Al Navas
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219 posts in 360 days
posted 124 days ago
Fred,
Congratulations! I chuckled about screwdriver-in-hand showing on the ultrasound :-) . It will be such a wonderful experience. We have five granddaughters, but hope to have a grandson in October. Whatever it is, so long as it is healthy.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Mark Shymanski
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514 posts in 197 days
posted 120 days ago
HD offers a similar program here in Brandon but they charge dearly for the ‘kits’. I’d just as soon prepare the parts myself and have the kids build it at home. HD will sell the kits to any body with the cash, kids there or not.
-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark
Al Navas
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219 posts in 360 days
posted 120 days ago
Mark,
You are right! If they charge for the kits, forgettaboutittt! Each kit could be made in just a few minutes. But, with a total of 5 granddaughters, I would insist that HD, Lowe’s, etc., is a fine choice, if they provide the kits at no charge..
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com