WELCOME to theChildrensWoodshopBus.com and woodshopbus.com website
SUMMER CAMPS ARE READY FOR REGISTRATION: Half-day summer camps June-July-August for 2nd -6th graders are open for registration. See the 2023 Registration page for specific dates, location, cost and how to register.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This mobile “woodshop” is a converted transit bus with individual, adjustable workbenches. The program is designed to teach children how to use hand tools safely and effectively. The woodshop bus traveled to San Diego area public and private schools September – May for 1st-5th grades and June-August for summer camps 2nd-6th grades. IMPORTANT NOTE: We have discontinued the school rotation but have left the school names on the website as references. All camps are currently held in the Clairemont (92117) area of San Diego.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE: This is not a “hammer and nails” only class or camp. There is structure, construction techniques, safety and size limits. I am confident I can teach a motivated, physically capable child how to saw wood clamped into a miter box, shape and sand it, drill holes, drive nails, turn screws and make wooden toys and useful desktop projects using only hand tools and clear sugar pine. There are kid-tested examples (see Project Photos page) to jump-start the building process and once the construction techniques are established, children progress at their own pace to build confidence and skills as they build their projects. Sheila D., instructor. Email questions to me at sdawson@thechildrenswoodshopbus.com
SCOUT BADGES: For Boys and Girls Scouts 2nd-6th grades TheChildrensWoodshopBus provides a place to earn achievement badges in woodworking in small groups. Interested leaders should Email sdawson@TheChildrensWoodshopBus.com direct for more information and to schedule a session. See Scout Woodworking page for more details. We offer badge work to small groups of 5-6 at a time.
You can download a general information flyer by clicking here. You may copy and distribute.
ABOUT: The Children’s Woodshop Bus has been traveling to San Diego schools and neighborhoods teaching basic hand tools skills to young children since 1974. The after school classes are one hour long, and many projects are completed in one session. A series of classes, scout badge work, and birthday parties can be scheduled by emailing sdawson@TheChildrensWoodshopBus.com. The cost varies with how many students attend and the location.
You can see a video of children working in the bus on the Media page.
Use the scroll arrow to see the Woodshop Bus exterior, interior, and a well-used work station.
