Get Kids Started With Tools
“Teach the young hands of today to build the world of tomorrow”- Jamie McMillan
From hammers to pliers, wrenches to power tools, children who learn how to use basic tools are a step above their peers in terms of independence and versatility. Here at Project Wild Rooted, we believe learning life skills are just as important as book learning and have made it a priority to help children develop these skills.
We believe that putting tools in children’s hands early on will increase their awareness and raise their aspirations. When children have limited exposure to tools when they are younger, it hinders their belief in being proficient with them later in life. Furthermore, many young adults that haven’t worked with tools in adolescence don’t even consider being self-reliant with home improvements and DIY projects. Individuals that use tools when they are younger are more likely to be confident and understand that they can do things for themselves later on in life. As Farmer Wille puts it, “I am a builder, a farmer, a plumber, an electrician, an appliance repair man, a snowplow guy because I tried all those things. I use tools. It doesn’t mean I am seeking a profession in it. It just means that I can do it. The more hands-on you are when you are young, the more you can attain in adult life.”
Campers will learn how to safely use a drill, miter saw, and Sawzall as they make functional pieces to take home during the Art Creations camp are pictured here.
There are many more reasons why early exposure is important. It gives children an avenue to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, fine-motor, and hand-eye coordination. It also promotes a positive feeling about the trades as they increase both confidence and comfortability with tools. It gives children a sense of pride and teaches them how hard work pays off. It also makes learning other subject areas like Math, Science, and English more applicable in real-world settings.
So get a tool in a child's hands! Teach them how to respect it and use it safely. Encourage them to create projects and safely take risks. Support them when they fail and help them see what they are capable of.
This is what kids need, and we need kids like this.
Our future depends on it.
