Michael’s Woodshop

Sign Up for an Event

Michael’s Woodshop offers a number of scheduled events:

  • Pinewood Derby Days Learn More
  • Woodwork Merit Badge Classes
  • Baloo the Builder “Open Registration Sessions” Learn More...

Michael’s Woodshop is Expanding!

Click Image to watch our Expansion

Schedule Your Own Event

Michael’s Woodshop may be reserved by NCAC Scouts, Units, and Districts for events such as:

Scroll down to view project ideas

For questions or additional information, please email us at michaelswoodshop.cwbs@gmail.com.

More Information About Michael’s Woodshop

Recent Articles

Latest Newsletter

Michael’s Woodshop News Winter 2023-24

Camping Continues Video

Michael’s Woodshop was featured in a recent video from the OA’s Camping Continues series. If you would like to see the shop and learn a little about our capabilities, please take a few minutes to watch the video.

Woodshop Events

Michael’s Woodshop is pleased to offer a wide range of activities for Scouts of all ages. Each month we offer several Woodwork Merit Badge sessions. In addition, we offer Baloo the Builder Workshops and Pinewood Derby Sessions (seasonal) in an Open Registration format for individual youth or small groups. To find a class, you may use the links in the table below or simply scan through our calendar (below) to see scheduled events. Don’t forget to check back in the fall to see the schedule of sessions for our Fifth Annual Pinewood Derby Days!

Upcoming Events

Date / TimeEvent LinkDescription$
Dates in Dec and JanPinewood Derby DaysCome out and work on your car in our supervised wood shop6
Monthly2024 Woodwork MB Classroom SessionsClassroom Session for WW MB Req 1, 2, 3b, 76.5
Monthly2024 Woodwork MB Shop TimeSupervised shop time for Woodwork MB Req 4, 5 & 612.5
Every other month2024 Baloo the Builder Open Registration Session Sessions for individual youth or small groups. Dens are encouraged to schedule their own session. See Full Workshop Description12.50

Shop Calendar

Reserving Michael’s Woodshop

Michael’s Woodshop has the tools and work space to complete almost any woodworking or carpentry project and may be reserved by Scouts, Units, and Districts for a wide variety of Scouting activities, including Eagle Scout Projects, Pack or Den activities, Troop activities, and District Events. Our group of volunteer Shop Stewards can assist you in organizing and tailoring an activity to meet the age range and size of your group and they are available to supervise and assist with your event.

The shop is generally available for use on weekends and weeknights (evenings). With some advance planning, we can often accommodate events on weekdays.

How to Reserve

  1. Decide on a workshop or project (and have plans or drawings if proposing your own project)
  2. Determine the number of Scouts who will attend and their ages
  3. Review our Shop Calendar (above) to find an available date and time to hold your event. Generally, any date and time that does not have an activity or conflict noted is available. While the calendar is updated regularly, there are times when an event or conflict is not yet reflected on the calendar. Therefore, we recommend selecting a primary date and one or two alternate dates for your activity.
  4. Decide if you would like to enhance your project with a CNC engraving (see what’s available)

Woodshop Usage Fees

UsageFeesNotes
District & Other Sponsored Events not listed below$150/dayReserves the shop for a full day of activities regardless of number of attendees. Material and supply costs not included.
Camp Hosted Pinewood Derby Build Day$6/scout*Scouts need to bring their own car kits and weights. * An early season rate of $5/scouts applies to December sessions.
Pinewood Derby Sessions:
Full Pack Session
1/2 Pack Session
Den Session

$85/unit *
$55/unit *
$35/unit *
Packs & Dens need to review and follow the Pack/Den PWD Rules & Responsibilities for these sessions


up to 4 hrs./18 to 28 participants
up to 2 hrs./10 to 16 participants
up to 2 1/2 hrs./6 to 10 participants, weeknights only

* Early season rates of $70/unit, $45/unit and $30/unit apply to Full Pack, 1/2 Pack and Den sessions respectively held on or before December 31, 2022
Baloo the Builder Workshop$13.50/youth2 to 2 1/2 hour workshop covering all Baloo the Builder Requirements (view description)
Webelos Build It Workshop$14.50/youth2 to 2 1/2 hour workshop covering all requirements of the Built It elective (view description)
Camp Hosted Events or Unit Use
– Manual Focus/Basic Tools
$6.50/person,
capped at $65/unit
Primarily hand tool use and non-cutting power tools – drills, sanders, etc.
Camp Hosted Events or Unit Use
– Full Shop/Major Tools
$12.50/person,
capped at $125/unit
Events where the full capacity of the shop is required including use of major power tools – jointer, planer, saws, etc.
Eagle Scout Projects and Summit Award Projects$35/day

Youth Protection Note

Please note: Michael’s Woodshop maintains required YPT standards. That is we ensure that two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or older are at all Scouting activities.

Units attending events at Michael’s Woodshop may be requested to help us with the requirement that “A registered female leader 21 years of age or older must be present at any activity involving female youth.” We will endeavor to provide a registered female leader-volunteer for all events where female youth are registered. However, if we are not able to provide a female leader, units will be requested to provide a female leader over the age of 21. If a female leader is unavailable the Scout must attend with one of their parents.

Support Michael’s Woodshop

Michael’s Woodshop is dedicated to offering programs and other activities that directly support the Aims & Methods of Scouting. We are always looking for ways to expand or improve the capabilities of our shop. We happily accept donations of new or good condition used tools. We have created a wish list of items that we currently need. For those that wish to purchase an item for the shop, we have included many items on our Amazon registry. Small items may be dropped off at the office or shipped directly to Camp Snyder.

View Our Current Needs

Camp Address

Camp William B. Snyder
Attn: Wood Shop
6100 Antioch Rd
Haymarket, VA 20169
Phone: 571-248-4904

How the Woodshop is Used

See a few key measures of how the shop is being put to use.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the PWD Car Weight Fundraiser or who otherwise made cash on in-kind donations. View the list of tool additions and supplies we were able to purchase.

Just because an item does not appear on our wish list does not mean we can’t use it. If you have good condition used tools that are not listed or large equipment that you would like to donate, please contact us at michaelswoodshop.cwbs@gmail.com to determine our current needs. We are happy to arrange to pick up large, heavy or bulky items.

Join the Woodshop Team

Adult & Youth Volunteering

Michael’s Woodshop is operated by a group of volunteer Shop Stewards. With increasing demand for use of the wood stop, we are always in need of additional Shop Stewards as well as Shop Assistants to support the wood shop activities. We have recently introduced our Youth Shop Assistant Program which is designed to provide older Youth who are interested in woodworking with the opportunity to volunteer in Michael’s Woodshop. Finally, adult volunteers and staff members can also help by becoming a Trained User which reduces the burden on our Shop Stewards. Trained Users may use the shop individually without the need for a Shop Steward to be present.

Become a Shop Steward

Basic Requirements:

  • Experienced woodworker
  • BSA registered adult leader
  • At least 21 years old
  • Current YPT
  • First Aid/CPR certification

Shop Stewards are expected to have proficiency with shop tools and equipment (supplemental instruction can be provided). In addition, they will follow and enforce all shop safety rules and have a willingness to instruct and guide Scouts and inexperienced adults. Shop Stewards should be willing to assist with at least one session (3-4 hours) a month.

Become a Shop Assistant

Basic Requirements:

  • BSA registered adult
  • Current YPT
  • Ability to lead Scouts
  • Comfortable in the woodshop

Shop Assistants are expected to have a positive, safety-oriented attitude and willingness and ability to guide Scout age youth. Shop Assistants will organize arriving Scouts, give safety briefings, guide Scouts through the initial work stations, and may assist with certain tasks (instruction provided). Shop Assistants should be willing to assist with one or two sessions (3-4 hours) per month.

Youth Shop Assistant Program

Basic Requirements:

  • BSA registered youth >= 14 years old
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • First Aid & Woodwork merit badges
  • Unit leader & parental approval

The Youth Shop Assistant Program provides older youth with an opportunity to further develop leadership skills and to enhance their woodworking knowledge and skills. Youth Assistants are volunteers who will assist during a wide variety of wood shop events.

Read the Program Document to learn more.

Shop Safety Training for Adult Shop Users

(Adult Staff & Volunteers)

Basic Requirements:

  • Basic woodworking skills
  • Approved by Ryan Alford to receive shop training

A Trained User is expected to have a basic knowledge and comfort level with shop tools and equipment. A Trained User is expected to follow shop safety rules at all times AND to only operate tools for which they have been certified. A Trained User is not permitted to supervise others in the shop. Tool instruction and skill development time can be scheduled.

Camp Map

Please proceed directly to Michael’s Woodshop when you arrive.

A small parking area is located at the west end of the STEM building near the Archery Pavilion. In the event the small parking lot is full, additional parking is available at the cabins (yellow highlighted parking spaces)

Woodshop Activity Slideshows

Michael’s Woodshop is a great place for Scouts to learn and create. We host many fun activities for Scout youth of all ages. Click on an image to view a slideshow and see the fun for yourself.

Summer Camp in Michael’s Woodshp 2023
Summer Camp in Michael’s Woodshop 2022
Summer Camp in
Michael’s Woodshop
2021
Pinewood Derby Days
2022-23
Pinewood Derby Days
2021-22
Baloo the Builder
Workshops 2023
Webelos Build It Workshops 2023
Family Camping 2022
Family Camping 2021
Scout Specialty Week 2022
Scout Specialty Week
2021
Eagle Project Gallery

Additional Slideshows

The Repurposing Corner

Reclaim, Restore, Repurpose

A Scout is Thrifty

Using your creativity and a little effort, it is possible to make use of equipment, tools and materials that might otherwise be bound for the landfill.  In Michael’s Woodshop, we are committed to being good stewards of the environment and are always looking to find a useful purpose for things that others might discard.  In addition, woodworkers are notoriously creative and are constantly looking for ways to improve their work space.  We have created this gallery to provide examples of reclaiming, restoring and repurposing items and showing how they were put into service.  Hopefully, these examples will generate ideas that you can use.

Current Feature

Wire Spool Workbench

We have all seen interesting uses for old wire spools. By adding some casters, this spool was coverted into a versatile rolling workbench that can be moved or rotated to access the needed tool. A great space saver!

Project by Dan N.

Share Your Project

If you have your own example of a similar woodworking or shop improvement project, please send a photo and description to MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com  and we will add it to the gallery.

Please enjoy our photo gallery. If you would like to submit photos of your wood shop event or project, please email your photos and a brief caption to michaelswoodshop.cwbs@gmail.com

Large Tools

Scroll Saws

Bench Top Tools

Work Space & Storage

Shop Safety

We are committed to the safety of all participants. While you are always welcome to bring your own safety gear, we do have safety glasses and ear protection available. Airborne saw dust is not only an irritant; it can pose health risks. To minimize this risk, we have installed a dust collection system, a down draft table for sanding and two air filtration units.


About Michael’s Woodshop

Michael’s Woodshop was created through the vision and leadership of Michael W. Snowden and is dedicated in his memory

Watch Michael’s Woodshop Come to Life!

Michael’s Woodshop was designed and built entirely by volunteers.  Substantial work efforts occurred from January, 2018 until the shop opened in November, 2018.  Since that time, the Volunteer Shop Stewards have continued to invest many hours to improve the shop.  The evolution from bare steel walls to today’s shop configuration has been an incredible journey.  Please take a few minutes to view these slideshows.

Click on an Image to Start the Slideshow. ENJOY!

Lumber Rack
Admin & Safety Center
Dust Control
Watch A Shop Improvement
Radial Arm Saw Bench
Column
ShopSmith Corner
Miter Saw Bench
Main Work Bench
Electrical & Volunteers’ Corner

If after viewing the slides, you are thinking “I want to be a kid in THAT candy shop”, you should consider joining the Michael’s Woodshop Team.  See “Volunteering” for more information about how you can get involved.

Substantially all of the equipment and tooling in Michael’s Woodshop was acquired by donations from the NCAC Scouting community. Please see “Support Michael’s Woodshop” for ways you can help us continue to improve Michael’s Woodshop.