Woodworking And Boy Scouts: A Match That Has Been Nearly Forgotten
Being passionate about what you get to do for a living everyday is definitely great. But for Robert Carlan, owner and artist at Kapono Works, there is something else that makes his heart full and warm: learning more about different cultures, ways of life and really making an impact in the community.
For a little over a year, he has been volunteering with the “Pack 22” Boy Scouts of La Vernia, Texas. In average, the boys are 9-10 years old, and for some activities, it is reasonable to require a parent to be present to monitor their child’s actions and help them to perform each task. “We usually pick a project that meets the requirements and capabilities of all, bust mostly, projects that push them farther along the path,” says Carlan. Often, the troop can provide some finances to purchase extra items, but Robert likes to have the kiddos under his belt, and he generally has all necessary equipments in hands right before each session with the scouts, especially items like safety glasses.
On their last session, the master builder was able to teach the young apprentices how to build an easy-to-build wooden toolbox with a cut out handle. Since a lot of them can’t hammer a nail straight just yet, Robert made sure to have all pilot holes pre-drilled for them for a precise and easy assemble.
Some people think volunteering is about helping people less fortunate than you. It’s really about looking past finances, seeing the humanity we all share, and then building a community with the assets we each have. Robert is a 36 year old fine woodworker who’s got a big heart and a magnetic personality. He is a humble man but enjoys the idea of teaching these young minds, skills that are now nearly forgotten–among the modern millennial era–through his work. “It was the time spent with my son in the woodshop that helped me to envision the opportunity to teach other kids,” explains Carlan.
With common sense in the choice of tools and very close, one-on-one supervision, any child can be safe in the woodshop. Children can start woodworking as early as preschool and Robert is now thinking about extending the knowledge to Girl Scouts or anyone who is interested. If you are a parent in South Texas and is looking for an opportunity to put your kids to work on their woodworking skills while having a great time with an experienced and encouraging instructor, you may consider contacting Kapono Works.
