not just an ordinary Woodwork Merit Badge

Game On: Innovation Station This day long class has been developed to lead Boy Scouts through the Woodwork and Painting Merit Badge requirements. However, we invite all students to participate - no matter if they belong to a Scout group or already have the merit badge(s). Open to boys and girls, ages 12-18, Boy Scouts or not.

Registration coming Monday, May 21 

Spend your day learning about different types and uses of wood - while recycling some of Minnesota’s greatest natural resources.

Each participant will use recycled and/or reclaimed lumber to build a spectacular looking game board that can be used for checkers, chess or a host of other games.

Birch Wood Roses

I talked this idea over with a few Boy Scouts.  I think it was 50/50 on 'doing flowers' as an activity.  However, the more I explained the concept, the more I started converting skeptics to believers.

We are still developing this activity (which will work well for ages 8 - 18, girls and/or boys), but the idea is to use the bark from area Paper Birch or River Birch trees (as it naturally sheds) to form very realistic rose like flowers.

Mystery Wooden Treasure Boxes

This activity also involves using reclaimed or recycled wood from varied sources.  The mystery is, where did the wood come from?

These small wooden treasure boxes have been crafted (as kits) for any age (6 or older) to put together with only glue and a small amount of time.  Each treasure box fits 6 to 12 pencils (depending on size chosen) or anything that captures the imagination of the child.

There are no hinges or nails - just a simple sliding 'trapdoor'.

If your child wants to know the answer to the mystery, just ask one of our volunteers.

More information to come.

Other Projects

Fire Starters made from sawdust, birch bark, old candles, egg cartons and newspaper.  We will also investigate basic chemical compositions and create a few fire starters taht turn the flames different colors.

Solar Tea Lamps made from old jars (hopefully cool plastic jars) and recycled solar panels with LEDs.