The Timbers Stay Strong at DIY Woodworking Camp!

On Thursday, June 1st and Friday, June 2nd, Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted its first DIY (Do It Yourself) Woodworking Camp, which was the first A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics) camp for the 2023 summer season. This camp was held in collaboration with Iron Timbers in Osgood, IN. You may know Iron Timbers from their work featured in the HGTV hit show Good Bones or its philanthropic, community-oriented work around Ripley County.

Ten students were given the opportunity to work with the staff at Iron Timbers to build their own charcuterie board or cutting board and make their own custom sign.  From sanding to applying resin, students received a full intensive crash course in learning the foundational principles related to woodworking and understanding how to create a finished product. Students learned essential skills in woodworking safety, proper equipment use, the significance of wood, and how to use math concepts, including angles and measuring for accuracy.  In addition to this, students were able to learn about metalworking and how it can be incorporated into various woodworking avenues, such as cutting out their names with a CNC machine.

In addition to various STEAM concepts introduced, various soft skills were taught within the camp. These include but are not limited to creativity, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability.  These skills, along with many others, will assist students in becoming successful in their future endeavors.  

Graesyn Bushorn, a 7th-grade student from Milan and a camp participant, said, “My favorite part about DIY Woodworking Camp was seeing the process of building our charcuterie or cutting board and being able to customize a metal frame to our liking.”  The projects that students made were taken home with them to have as a staple in their homes.

“We love working with all age groups, but specifically with kids. We are a family-oriented company, and we hope to continue this in the future,” said Dustin Payne, an owner of Iron Timbers.

Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank Iron Timbers for being an astounding host for DIY Woodworking Camp and exposing students to experiential learning opportunities related to woodworking.  We look forward to partnering with them again in the near future as DIY Woodworking Camp will return in the summer of 2024.