Back to School, Back to the Shop!
Summer is over, school is back in session, and the woodshop is in full swing. We’ve kicked off this fall season by welcoming 3 new eighth graders. Bringing students in before high school means we get to walk alongside them for more years, building deeper relationships and offering more meaningful support as they grow, not only giving them a safe, supportive place to be after school, but also being able to put their phones down, build and create, and make a paycheck, all at the same time!
One of our newest faces is Karon. As an eighth grader who joined us just a month ago, he’s impressed us by jumping right in. His first project was a set of pumpkins to add to our growing “pumpkin patch” in our gift shop. Now he’s working on something close to his heart: chess boards. Karon loves chess, and it’s easy to see why the game suits him. Chess rewards patience, planning ahead, and thinking through every move. Those same skills help make a great woodworker. There’s something special about crafting a board that will be played on for years to come. While he’s making one to keep for himself, he’s excited to sell the others in the gift shop.
Those same skills came in handy when Karon traded his woodworking tools for a fishing rod. He was one of seven students who joined us for the BHI Surf Fishing Tournament on Bald Head Island, an event that benefits Kids Making It. Surf fishing takes plenty of patience too, and the trip gave our students a chance to try something new, spend time outdoors, and bond with one another outside the shop.
Whether they’re cutting their first board, casting their first line, or planning their next move on a chessboard, our students are off to a strong start this year. We’re grateful to our volunteers, donors, and partners who make these experiences possible. Stop by our gift shop this season to check out Karon’s creations, and stay tuned for more shop stories.
Want to help more students like Karon get started, please consider donating today. Click here for a secure donation link!
Comments