Author: Dave Schneeman

March 1, 2022 by Dave Schneeman

Star Scout Mihai Z. created the CNC computer code needed to engrave the Cub Scout logo into a new cross over bridge for Pack 1540 in Fairfax, VA. Mihai volunteers as a Youth Assistant in Michael’s Woodshop and since the arrival of the CNC machine, he has been looking for opportunities to use the machine. Mihai enjoys learning new technology and he was able to quickly adapt his 3D printing skills to learn and program the CNC machine. It was a relatively complex first project but the end result was fantastic. Cubmaster Dusty Vaughn, who had initiated the project, was very impressed and stated that the Pack would certainly appreciate the engraving on their bridge for many years to come.

The CNC project was coordinated by shop volunteer Dallas Cecil. Under his leadership, Michael’s Woodshop is developing additional applications for the CNC machine including the creation of a library of standard images. Dallas is willing to work with unit leaders to develop images for engraving special projects, such as the cross over bridge. As new capabilities are developed, we expect interest in creating AOL plaques and other special projects will quickly increase the use of the CNC machine.

Michael’s Woodshop is an incredible resource available to NCAC Units & Scouts. The CNC machine is just one of the many woodworking tools and machines available in the shop. Michael’s Woodshop is operated by a group of adult and youth volunteers, and we are always interested in adding quality volunteers to our team. If you like being in a wood shop and enjoy teaching and guiding youth, please consider joining the Woodshop Team. We have volunteer roles available for experienced woodworkers, novices and those who have specialized skills (such as operating the CNC machine).

Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about shop capabilities, reserving the shop or for information about joining the Woodshop Team. If you are interested in using the CNC machine for an upcoming project or if you would like additional information about the shop, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

January 31, 2022 by Dave Schneeman

On January 26, the Wolf Den from Pack 1833 in Haymarket, VA held a Den activity in Michael’s Woodshop and created some nice trophies for their Pack’s upcoming pinewood derby race. The Wolves started with a safety briefing and were then given basic instructions for building the trophies. The Wolves were able to observe the set up and use of a number of pieces of shop equipment used by the leaders to make the initial cuts. They then had the opportunity to drill, sand and assemble the trophies. The Wolves not only had the opportunity to learn about shop safety and tool use, they also had some good hands-on experience and created some awesome trophies. It was a very fun evening!

Conveniently located at Camp William B. Snyder, Michael’s Woodshop is an incredible resource which may be reserved for use by all NCAC Units & Scouts. Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round wth opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in a variety of shop activities. Holding a Den project session is just one way to use the shop. Michael’s Woodshop also offers great Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It workshops, Woodwork Merit Badge classes and has recently added several new Woodshop Specialty Classes. In addition, the shop is a great venue for hosting Eagle Scout and Summit Award projects as well as conservation projects and other unit activities.

Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about the shop capabilities and upcoming events and for information about reserving the shop. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

On January 8, 2022, Xander, a Bear from Pack 858 attended a Pack Pinewood Derby Session and created the 1000th pinewood derby car in Michael’s Woodshop! Xander started by creating his own car design. With assistance from shop volunteer “Mr. Gene” Lockhart, he then cut, sanded and added weights to his car. The end result was a great looking and sure-to-be-competitive car. To commemorate the occasion, Xander was presented with a special Pinewood Derby Car display stand with a 1000th Car inscription. Please join us in wishing Xander the best of luck in his races, but in our book, he is already a winner!

Michael’s Woodshop is currently in the midst of its 4th Annual Pinewood Derby Days season. View the Pinewood Derby Days 2021-22 slideshow on the shop webpage (click here) to see more of the fun! While Pinewood Derby Days is one of the most popular programs, Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round with opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in a variety of shop activities. Michael’s Woodshop offers great Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It workshops, Woodwork Merit Badge classes and has recently added several new Woodshop Specialty Classes. In addition, the shop is a great venue for hosting Eagle Scout and Summit Award projects as well as conservation projects and other unit activities.

Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop for more information about the shop capabilities and upcoming events and for information about reserving the shop. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

During Camp Snyder’s Fall Family Camping events, Michael’s Woodshop officially began its fourth year of operations and it certainly got off to a great start! During the two family camping weekends, over 30 families visited the wood shop and had the opportunity for some hands-on woodworking fun. Families were able to select from a variety of projects including game boards, tool boxes and bird houses. During the events, Michael’s Woodshop debuted its newly donated CNC machine and was able to add the fleur de lis image to youth projects. To view more of the fun, please see our 2021 Family Camping slideshow.

Since its opening in 2018, Michael’s Woodshop has offered high quality programs that directly support the Aims & Methods of Scouting across all youth age groups. Michael’s Woodshop has continued to operate core programs such as the Pinewood Derby Days car building sessions, monthly Woodwork merit badge sessions and has supported many Eagle Scout projects. During the past year, new Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It workshops were developed to support Cub Scouts in completing these adventures. In addition, this past summer a visit to Michael’s Woodshop was added to Camp Snyder’s Day Camp and Resident Weekend programs and Michael’s Woodshop supported the camp’s first ever merit badge week. Finally, the first Summit Award Project was hosted in the shop this fall.

Michael’s Woodshop is a fantastic resource available to all NCAC youth. It is a hands-on work space that was designed for use by Scouts of all ages to create and learn. The shop is maintained and operated by a group of volunteers who are also available to help plan and carry out events. Michael’s Woodshop may be reserved for Unit activities, District events, Eagle Scout projects and many other Scouting activities. For information about shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

In November, Cole S. of Troop 424 attended his second merit badge session in Michael’s Woodshop and completed all of the requirements to earn the Woodwork merit badge. He arrived well prepared with materials and project plans and was able to make a DVD/game storage console, two versions of a cell phone stand and a bird house. While completing the requirements, Cole used a classic “brace and bit”, various saws, a hand plane and more. In his projects he demonstrated several incised cuts and built a project with beveled edges. Not only did he complete all of the requirements, he also earned the distinction of being the 50th Scout to earn the Woodwork merit badge in Michael’s Woodshop. Congratulations!

Earning the Woodwork merit badge requires a certain level of interest and dedication. In addition to learning about shop safety, first aid, tool sharpening and various aspects of lumber production, there are four projects to complete. Youth must demonstrate the use of certain tools, joinery and cutting techniques and project estimating skills. Scouts who earn this merit badge should take pride in their achievement.

Since early 2019, Michael’s Woodshop has offered two monthly merit badge sessions. The first session focuses on shop safety, first aid and the other “non-sawdust-making” requirements. The second session provides supervised shop time for Scouts to work on their projects. In addition to the scheduled monthly classes, Units with 3 or more youth interested in earning the merit badge may also arrange to hold their own merit badge sessions.

For more information about the merit badge classes, shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

On October 1, Christina A. of Crew 893 hosted the first Summit Award Project in Michael’s Woodshop, making a set of knot boards for a local Girl Scout Troop. With plenty of bench space, there was ample room to create work stations for drilling, laminating description cards, cutting & binding cords and assembling the knot boards. With good planning and organization and support from fellow crew members, family and friends, Christina was able to successfully complete the knot boards over the course of a busy evening in the shop. Congratulations and job well done!

Michael’s Woodshop may be reserved for use by NCAC youth or Units and it is an exceptional venue for hosting Summit Award Projects, Eagle Scout Projects and other large or complex group projects. The shop is well-outfitted with the tools and work space to create just about any woodworking project. The shop is operated by a team of experienced volunteers who can answer question and provide assistance as you plan your work. A volunteer will also be on hand to provide instruction and supervision throughout your activity.

Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round and is a great place for Scouts to create and learn. In addition to working on large projects, the shop may also be reserved for many other Unit activities such as our Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It workshops and our upcoming Pinewood Derby Days sessions. Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about the shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

Michael’s Woodshop is pleased to introduce the six newest members of the Team. Michael’s Woodshop is run entirely through the time, effort and talents of volunteers and we welcome these latest additions!

Adult Volunteers

Shannon Klee is an active Scouter; ASM, Troop 1941, NCAC Equity Committee, Camp Master at Camp Snyder and Director of Goose Creek Day & Twilight Camp. She is excited to join the team and looks forward to “learning and playing” in the woodshop.

Soup Fick serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 1182-G and is the proud mother of an Eagle Scout and a Life Scout. She has a broad range of woodworking skills and interests and is currently focused on miniatures and crafting.

Charleen Kennedy is a Lone Scout Leader and Sea Scout Leader. Active since 2011, she enjoyed working with Scouts building pinewood derby cars. She is a Certified Professional Photographer a Master Photographer and a Photography merit badge counselor.

Shannon DiGiacomo has four children in Scouting and serves as Cubmaster for Pack 1355. Her entre to woodworking was through laser engraving but her interest quickly expanded to larger projects. She has come to enjoy to art and craftsmanship of woodworking.

Youth Volunteers

Braeden is a Star Scout with Troop  682 and enjoys back country hiking. He is currently working on a Purple Martin House (the “bird mansion”) for Camp Snyder. In addition to his Scouting interests, he is also the assistant captain for his ice hockey team, a competitive epee fencer and an avid reader.

William is a Life Scout, a Sea Scout Apprentice and is the first AuxScout with USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 25-06. He joined Michael’s Woodshop after attending Merit Badge Week at Camp Snyder. He enjoys guitar (and he built his own!), scuba diving, film photography and clay target shooting.

If you are interested in volunteering, please see “Join the Michael’s Woodshop Team” on our webpage, or email any questions to MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com.

July 21, 2021 by Dave Schneeman

ShareTweetPin

Cub Scouts and Webelos made 453 Tic-Tac-Toe boards while attending Day Camp and Resident Weekends at Camp Snyder this summer. That’s a lot of games!!! The process started with a short safety briefing and then each youth selected and marked their “blank” using our custom templates. The Cub Scouts then entered the shop and were guided through three work stations where they cut, drilled and sanded to create their very own game boards. Upon completion, youth were able to brand their game boards with the coveted “Handcrafted in Michael’s Woodshop” image.

This was a great hands-on activity that was enjoyed by all youth who attended camp. To see more great photos from the activity, please check out our slideshow: Summer Camp in Michael’s Woodshop. This was the first summer that Michael’s Woodshop was fully integrated into the camp activity program and camp staff and volunteers are looking forward to making this a regular summer camp offering.

Michael’s Woodshop operates year-round and is a great venue for Scouts to create and learn. We offer a number of regular and seasonal activities such as merit badge classes, woodworking skills classes and of course our annual Pinewood Derby Days! The shop may also be reserved for Den activities like our Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops and for many other events such as Troop merit badge sessions, conservation projects and Eagle Scout Projects.

Please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage for more information about the shop capabilities and upcoming events or for information about reserving the shop. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email the volunteer team at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

July 13, 2021 by Dave Schneeman

Michael’s Woodshop is pleased to introduce five new members of the Team. Michael’s Woodshop is run entirely through the time, effort and talents of its volunteers and we welcome these latest additions to our Team!

Adult Volunteers

Kirk Vetter is married with two teenaged children and has a passion for millwork. He is the Executive Vice President / General Manager of Gaithersburg Architectural Millwork which specializes in manufacturing Commercial Interior Architectural Millwork in Warrenton VA. (We toured his facility – it is a very impressive operation!) He is volunteering his time in an effort to get youth as excited about millwork as he is.

---

Ryan Fisher is an experienced woodworker and has been actively engaged in Scouting since his youth. He is an Eagle Scout, OA member (Vigil Honor), has attended Philmont twice, two National Jamborees and NOAC and after a series of adult leadership positions currently serves as ASM, Troop 1372-G. Interestingly, during his service career, he willingly jumped out of perfectly fine aircraft on 52 occasions.

---

Elena Ziu discovered Michael’s Woodshop while her son was working on his Woodworking MB. The shop reminded her of her days at the University of Virginia where as an experimental physicist she often modified or built parts for her experimental apparatus in a machine shop. Elena has been active in Scouting since 2016 and currently serves as NCAC STEM Counselor and Powhatan Crew 160 Advisor.

---

Youth Volunteers

Ayaan A. is an Eagle Scout with Troop 1548.  While working on his Eagle Scout Project in Michael’s Woodshop, he was “bitten” by the woodworking bug (we would apologize, but it would not be sincere…).  Ayaan has a goal of earning a Gold Congressional Service Award (requires 400 service hours) and has decided to combine his new interest in woodworking with his desire to serve others.

---

Mihai Z. is a First Class Scout with Troop 160.  He loves playing trumpet and serves as bugler for his Troop. Mihai completed the Woodworking MB Spring 2021 and now has three hobbies he loves: woodworking, model rocketry, and 3D model design and printing. Mihai is already excited to try out our newly donated CNC machine. (And the adult volunteers are happy to have a teenager around to teach us how to use it!)

---

If you are interested in volunteering, please see  Join the Michael’s Woodshop Team on our webpage, or email any questions to MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com. Interested female adults and youth are also invited to attend one of our Ladies Nights in the Woodshop sessions which provide potential volunteers with a chance to learn more about the shop – and to make some sawdust!

June 30, 2021 by Dave Schneeman

Michael’s Woodshop at Camp Snyder has become a very popular venue, hosting fun, hands-on activities for Scouts of all ages. As female youth membership in the National Capital Area Council continues to grow, we are hosting more and more female youth for activities ranging from Pinewood Derby Days to Eagle Scout Projects. As a result, we would like to add female adult and youth volunteers to our Team. The feeling of satisfaction derived from completing a project or coaching youth as they complete their own is difficult to describe. Rather than trying to convey this feeling with mere words, we decided to invite potential volunteers out to the shop to experience it first-hand!

While experienced woodworkers would be ideal, we have volunteer opportunities available for a variety of skill levels and ages, including our Youth Shop Assistant Program for BSA registered youth who are 14 and older. Volunteers are expected to be role models for visiting youth and adults. They should enjoy coaching and guiding youth during activities and a focus on safety is a must. All adult and youth volunteers must be (or become) BSA registered.

We have planned a variety of project sessions including bird houses, a cheese board and a sure to be favorite “Mom’s Tool Box”. These projects will be hands-on, sawdust-making sessions with participants having the opportunity to use a number of shop tools. The sessions are open to female adults and youth 14 and older. Time will be allotted during the activity for a shop tour as well as sharing information and answering questions about our programs and volunteer opportunities. A series of events will be held over the coming months. Please visit the Registration Page for the schedule and additional information about the projects. There is no registration fee for these events and materials will be provided free of cost. However, space is limited so make your reservation soon.

If you are interested in volunteering, we hope you will be able to join us for one of these events. If you are unable to attend a session but are interested in learning more, please visit the Volunteering Page on the website or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com.