I am seeking help from supporters of hands-on education in raising funds for a wood shop at our school.
The Waldorf School of Cape Cod has made a tremendous comeback after a few challenging years and we are settling in to a new location in Sandwich and beginning to regrow in many ways. This includes the return of the woodworking program, which was on hiatus for 3 years. We are proud to be one of few schools offering traditional hand-tool woodworking to elementary- and middle school-age students.
So far this school year, the kids and I have had a blast building skills and cool projects including cutting boards, a pallet wood compost bin for the school garden, mortise and tenon stools and model wigwams!
Like every organization in the early stages of regrowth, our school faces challenges in making sure the available resources keep up with the increasing population and enthusiasm. One of these challenges is the current lack of a space for woodworking classes.
So far this year, we have held classes outside in the school’s backyard, first under a canopy tent and then, after our tent was damaged beyond repair by a storm, out in the open. There are obvious obstacles at play in this situation due to weather, lack of proper tool storage and work surfaces, and a host of logistical challenges.
Despite the challenges, the children have come to woodworking class excited and ready to make progress every day, no matter how cold, wet or windy it has been. Their positivity has been inspiring!
And if they were able to practice their craft in a space with a roof and walls? One can only imagine what we could accomplish!
With that in mind, I am hoping to raise a substantial portion of the amount needed to purchase a 14’x24’ build-it-ourselves post and beam barn kit. This type of building is cost-effective and sturdy. True to the community spirit of our school, it would be erected by our own team of volunteers, even providing opportunities for students to participate in the construction of their own wood shop!
We appreciate any support in our effort in this ever-important mission: Preserving opportunities for children to work creatively with their hands in a safe and nurturing environment!
Some incentives for donors:
$100 or more your name will be displayed on a commemorative plaque to be hung in the new shop
$200 or more, you will receive a poplar cheese board courtesy of WSCC woodworkers
$500 or more, you will receive a custom wood-carved sign made with the help of WSCC woodworking students
$5000 or more, naming rights to the new wood shop!
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