summer build camp!
We are excited to introduce our very first Summer Build Series for school-aged students! This program is designed to give students a fun, hands-on introduction to woodworking in a real professional shop environment. Students will spend each week learning practical skills while designing and building their own project from start to finish.
Whether your child enjoys working with their hands, wants to learn new skills, or simply wants to try something different this summer, our build camps offer a unique and rewarding experience.
Program Details
Age Range: 12–17 years old
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (4 hours per day)
Days: Monday – Friday
Program Dates: June 8 – August 14
Total Programs: 10 individual one-week camps
Each week features a different project and building experience, so students can enroll in one week or join us for multiple sessions throughout the summer.
Families who enroll in all 10 weeks will receive a discounted rate.
About WorkbenchRVA
WorkbenchRVA is a fully functioning professional woodworking and cabinet shop. In addition to building custom cabinetry and furniture, we offer memberships to the public and teach woodworking classes throughout the year.
Our shop is equipped with professional-grade tools and equipment, and our instructors bring years of woodworking and industry experience.
The goal of this camp is not to mass-produce furniture or rush through projects. Instead, we want students to learn the fundamentals of woodworking, gain confidence using tools, and experience what it is like to work inside a woodshop.
What Students Will Learn
Throughout the week students will gain hands-on experience with:
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Shop safety and proper tool handling
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Basic woodworking tools and machines
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Measuring and layout techniques
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Wood types and materials
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Cutting, sanding, and shaping wood
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Joinery and assembly methods
By the end of the week, each student will have completed a fully functional woodworking project they built themselves.
How the Weekly Camps Work
Each camp is designed to guide students through the process of creating a woodworking project from start to finish. At the beginning of the week, students will review the project plans, discuss the materials being used, and learn about the tools required to complete the build. As the week progresses, they will work alongside instructors to measure, cut, shape, and assemble the parts of their project.
Throughout the process, students will gain hands-on experience using woodworking tools while learning important shop skills and safety practices. By the end of the week, each student will complete their project and take it home with them.
Detailed daily schedules and project information will be provided for each individual camp.
Safety
Safety is and will always be our highest priority.
We understand that many students may have never stepped inside a woodworking shop before, and may be unfamiliar with tools and machinery. Our instructors have extensive experience in woodworking and shop safety and will closely supervise all activities.
Students will:
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Receive a shop safety orientation
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Learn proper tool usage before beginning work
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Always work under instructor supervision
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Only use tools they are comfortable with
Students will NEVER be required to perform any task that makes them uncomfortable.
Weekly Camp Projects
A complete list of weekly camps and project descriptions is available below. Each camp includes a detailed overview of the project, the skills students will learn, and what they will build during the week.
We encourage families to review the project plans together before enrolling.
Registration & Forms
Before attending camp, parents must:
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Complete the registration form
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Review the shop safety guidelines
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Print and sign the required safety waiver
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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(804) 999-5257
We look forward to welcoming your young builders into the shop this summer!
Registration Deadline
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER BUILD CAMPS WILL CLOSE ON MAY 31ST.
This allows our instructors time to order lumber, hardware, and supplies so that each student has their own materials ready at the start of camp.
We encourage families to register early, as class sizes are limited and some weeks may fill up before the registration deadline.
