Group #2 Meets to Begin Boat Building

Akeem does some finishing work (top). One group works together to mix the apoxy in order to glue the scarf joints (bottom).

The very cold air did not deter our 12 participants and 10 volunteers from arriving ready for work. Today group 2 was to replicate what the first group started on their canoe last weekend.
The following comments were made by participants in the second group after their first day at work on Peace Canoe #2:
MJ (age 11) It's fun! I get to help make a boat. My part today was working on the hull and one side of the boat, it is a fun project.
T. Graham (age 14) I like to build with legos, so getting to build something like a canoe is very interesting.
Maurice (age 15) It was exhilarating! We had to lift cinder blocks to brace the scarf joints.
Tammy (age 10) It was fun, because we are treated like an adult. We got to use many tools and supplies that we could not use at home. It was exquisite!
Deion (age 13) It was fun! I got to experience something I never did and never thought I'd do. I feel proud to be a part of Boat Building by the Bay.
Keyshawn (age 11) I helped put together the sides of the canoe by nailing. I liked working with the other kids, because we made a good team.
Dalontay (age 9) My group marked the lines for cutting and then we used the glue gun to glue the sides.
Today was another successful day at the McNasby "Boat Shop," we meet again on February 7th and 14th if you are around Eastport, we welcome you to stop in and see our progress between 9am and 1pm.

Group #1 Meets to begin Boat Building

One of the groups learns how to use the glue gun from volunteer Jake (Photo taken by Chris Holmes)
10 volunteers and 12 participants were on hand this morning to begin construction of the first Peace Canoe. Three groups each worked on an important task during this first day of construction.
One group was responsible for gluing the scarf joints, the second group had to nail the hull, and the third group worked on one of the sides. The participants were excited as this was the first project of the kind that these kids have all been involved with. The kids enjoyment and momentum of the volunteers kept the project going and all was completed by noon when the pizza arrived.
All the kids agreed that this was a fun experience and they are excited to come back on February 7th to continue construction.

Saw Horse Construction

The "McNasby Workshop" was a buzz this afternoon with 28 participants and 13 volunteers. Everyone came excited to learn and more importantly work on the saw horses. In just 2 short hours the group constructed 4 saw horses that will make great boat supports for the Peace Canoe building that begins next Saturday. To get a real feel for the project, some of the participants have shared their thoughts on the day and what is to come.
Jaylyn (age 14) I learned how to screw the nails inside the wood and at what angle to do this. I'm really excited to get started on building the boats.
Michael (age 9) I've helped my grandfather fix the car before, so I am used to working with tools. It is exciting to do the boat building project, because it is something new.
Marshan (age13) I learned that all of your measurements have to be exact or things will not work right.
Tariq (age 11) I learned there is an easier way to get screws in and that is by using a power drill.
Josh (age 11) Buiding a boat will be so exciting. Before I got here today I was on my street tossing gum in the air and trying to catch it, because I was bored. Now I am excited to begin building the Peace canoe because I know it will have a pointy front and back.
Paul (age 9) I like going to the water and it will be cool to go out on the water in a boat we build ourselves. I am an "Eastport Detective" and we compare old trucks to new trucks, we've been on a trolley ride, and gone crabbing. Now, I am excited to be back at the Annapolis Maritime Museum building a boat.
Jaquan (age 12) Today, I built a boat support. I did measurements. You had to measure where the boards went, so it would be a perfect support and not wobbly. I got to use a power drill for the first time, it made me feel POWERFUL!
Tiant (age 12) I learned what flush means. It means that the wood must all be even so it is all perfect.
Tykiara (age 9) I learned how to put the powerdrill straight. It is important, so the screws go in evenly. This was the first time I used a powerdrill and I wasn't even scared. I'm excited for when we get to paint our Peace Canoe.
Lamont (age 16) It was a wonderful experience. I drilled a couple of holes for the boat holder.
Guy (age 12) I used the Japanese saw for fun, so I'll be ready when we need it to build the boat. I helped drill the nails in the wood for boat support.
Destiny (age 13) I used a hammer to hit the nail on the head to build a saw horse. I am happy to be involved in the boat building, because it seems like it will be fun.
Anita (age 13) I used a Japanese saw so I could saw the wood and it was easy to use. I'm excited to build a boat for the first time to see how it all works.
Crystal (age 10) I used a measuring tape to see how long the wood was and to know where to put the wood pieces together. I'm excited to see if we can actually make a boat.
Morgan (age 11) I used a measuring tool and pencil to see where to place the wood. I also used a powerdrill, that was fun.
Michelle-Volunteer, We helped to put the saw horses together and the kids worked really well at completing the tasks they were given.
Craig - Volunteer, In order to engage the kids, I told them the more you pay attention and the more you know the more they will pay you for what you know, later in life. Sometimes a real-life analogy is just what a group of teenagers needs to stay actively engaged.