Machine Shop

[Anonymous]

12 yo DD loves doing things with her hands, and I think she would really like to move beyond making bracelets out of rubber bands and the like. I didn't go to school in the US, but what I mean are the kind of things I hear boys her age used to do in machine shop class -- learn to use tools, build stuff with their hands, etc.

She does stage crew at school, but there are only a few days every semester when they actually get to build sets, and the number of kids who want to be involved is always greater than the number of available tools. We've tried enrolling her in a couple of local art studios, but making collages surrounded by younger kids gets old fast. A few years ago I attended a meeting of Hac DC, and while not exactly what we're looking for, they seemed fun and welcoming to geeks of all ages, but they don't appear to be active any more.

Do you know of any after school activity, volunteering opportunity, internship, or camp that might fit the bill? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

So they not offer wood and machine shop at school? I took wood shop in 7th grade and machine shop in 8th. Most high schools will also offer shop courses.

You could look for a 4-H or maybe FFA program.

[Anonymous]

Robotics?

[Anonymous]

Not sure where you are located, but I know there are summer camps that provide opportunities to build sets as part of a drama production.

My DD takes an elective class (Technology Exploration, FCPS 7th grade) where she gets to build things with tools, etc.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. DD is only in 6th, but we recently had to choose classes for 7th and I didn't see anything like that offered. Can anyone tell me more about 4-H, FFA or Robotics classes? I just found TechShop. DD is not thrilled with the requirement that a parent attend with anyone under 16, but it might be worth a try. Has anyone here taken classes with them?

[Anonymous]

What county are you in? Check out the Tech Camp in FCPS - different classes each year based on the school it is held at but you usually rotate through the "technical" classrooms - auto, culinary, computer.

Also check out the Lorton workhouse. They use to hold woodworking classes there, But they might have something else that she might like. They have a large selection of teen classes from stop motion animation movies to painting. ACE woodworking classes use to be held at the Bryant Center in FCPS, but they shut that down, don't know where they teach that now.

also try Odyssey of the Mind next year. This year my 6th grade DS's team build a car that ran on a pully system.