Hardwood Flooring February March 2018

By Anita Howard

“The Woodwork merit badge is one of those badges that has not been offered in this kind of environment in our area, so it was really rewarding to see so many scouts participate in the workshop,” says Cartner. “Most families don’t have the skills, much less access to the tools, required for a badge like this. With more than 30 scouts participating, and a waiting list almost as long, it’s nice to see such a renewed interest in skilled trades like this.” NWFA Vice President of Education and Certification, Brett Miller, concurs. “The scouts who participated were really engaged,” he said. “They were eager to try new tools and asked lots of relevant questions. The workshop was a great opportunity for NWFA to share valuable industry knowledge, and it was cool to see the pride each scout had when he left with the box he built with his own hands.” NWFA members have an opportunity to offer either workshop in their local communities as well. Each workshop was developed to meet complete Boy Scout of America requirements for both the Pinewood Derby and for the Woodwork merit badge. Flyer templates are available to promote either workshop, lesson plans are available that outline the events, PowerPoints are available to utilize during each session, and a complete list of materials needed is available to help prepare for and set up each event. Any member who has an interest in conducting either workshop can contact the NWFA for more information at education@nwfa.org. Anita Howard is Chief Operating Officer at the National Wood Flooring Association in St. Louis. She can be reached at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

NWFA and the Boy Scouts of America partnered to create a curriculum for the Woodwork Merit Badge.

The Pinewood Derby is an annual event that encourages Cub Scouts to design and build their own race cars using a simple block of wood. Pinewood Derby kits include a 7” x 1.75” x 1.25” block of pine, four plastic wheels, and four nail axles. Each car must meet specific design requirements for dimension and weight, and competitions typically include trophies for the fastest car, as well as a variety of design awards. During the workshop, NWFA staff and volunteers helped scouts cut, sand, paint, build, and weigh their Pinewood Derby cars. During the Woodwork Merit Badge Workshop, Boy Scouts learned about trees, the wood they produce, and how that wood is used in our society. Specifically, scouts learned about tree growth, tree anatomy, harvesting, milling, drying, species, tools, safety, and career opportunities for working with wood. Each scout also designed and built a hinged wooden box on his own, using a variety of tools and developing a variety of woodworking skills.

Boy Scouts learn a variety of woodworking skills.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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