News : Construction Kids: Area youngsters learn basics from VPRD class sessions

Matt Boggess and others help teach construction skills to youngsters in a new VPRD program.

Dusty Druschel teaches Mia Jacobs how to use a drill during Construction Kids.

The Vinton Parks and Rec Department has a full roster for its first Construction Kids program, but plans more sessions in the fall. The students have made tool boxes and began working on window birdhouses on Tuesday evening. McDowell's helped sponsor the event, providing materials and tools, and several parent volunteers helped the VPRD staff. They learn basic tool use and safety, and how to use a variety of building skills.

It only took a weekend to fill the 15-member class, said Matt Boggess. The assistant VPRD director said the department sent home fliers in a Friday folder, and by Monday the class was full.

The idea for the class came to Boggess while he was working on a project with his daughter.

The VPRD plans to have two Construction Kids classes in the fall. A CK1 for students who have never participated, and a CK2 for those who already took the first class.

Boggess thanks McDowell's for its sponsorship. The building supply company provided materials and tools (each student received a hammer, tape measure and other items).

During Tuesday's sesssion, the students made three-sided birdhouses designed with suction cups to place on windows, allowing them to see birds nesting and feeding. The wood for the project came from end pieces from the wood siding used for the new John's Qwik Stop building.

During the class the students are learning the basics of building, as well as power tool safety.

See more photos HERE.