The Police showed up last Saturday...

Which was really great fun. They arranged for 7 young folks to come and sample the kinds of activities that go on in a boatshop. Our volunteers had set up a few stations typical of a Saturday in our place.

Most popular station was the model paddle carving on the new carving benches George whipped up last week. They really worked out well and got a real workout!

Bernie getting the girls started

Roni coaching carving

Brent helps with the fine points

 One of the boys really got good at sanding in prep for final varnish, carefully not destroying the decal - which is easy to do. Very good work done here.

really great job on cedar strip Richardson

Another project that got knocked off was fitting the keel to the skiff using the floor as the anvil for nailing. The trick is to rock the boat so the spot being nailed is supported.

First Anton filled and faired the bottom

Then the keel went on and got nailed

 On the bench Jim had some kids into outboard engine work resulting in two engines made ready for tank testing. Very satisfying when they start!

someone's having fun

and getting results.

Jim on the Gale final touches

Now into an Evinrude 7 1/2

Rory and Anthony assemble a 5 1/2 demonstrator

 As certain projects got to a stage, or if someone just wanted to try something else, they moved to another station to learn something new.

making small parts on the band saw

girls make mahogany plugs

using a drill press is a new skill.

So the volunteers had a wonderful day hosting this group of young people and we'd be happy to have them return another Saturday for more woodwork and engine challenges. We all thank you for joining us, we had a ball.

all smiles and accomplishment!

 Later this same week, two of the young ladies who started carving paddles back at the Life Matters event wanted to return and complete the paddles they started. George and Roni helped them do just that.

the girls did a great job of carving

the new benches were busy this week