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Robert Robillard
Carpenter and Editor
"A full service renovation company sharing its knowledge and experience to share information and educate on remodeling best practices."
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Day 1 morning intro speech - going over goals
Concord Carpenter Workshop News
Hi Guys,
This past Friday and Saturday, the Concord Carpenter crew, and Todd Fratzel from ToolBoxBuzz.com hosted a 20-hour tool safety, usage and building training for the 17-man, Build America team.
This training was the result of three months of work writing lesson plans, building training mock ups, and working with tool companies to gather tool donations for the team.
DeWalt, Milwaukee and Stanley tools were instrumental in this process. They helped by completely setting up the team with tool donations, and our training used the BAM teams newly donated tools.
Concord Lumber Corporation, our local lumberyard, was super generous and helped build mock ups as well as donated over $1000 in lumber for us to use.
I'm excited to say, with everyone's help and commitment, it was a huge success.
Our crew was, and is still, inspired by Build America and the BAM team. the BAM team will travel
for 6
weeks across country promoting accessible recreation for people with
disabilities.
During our training we focused on 4 goals:
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Teach tool use and safety
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Exposure to building practices
-
Provide confidence
to use the tools, and get the job done
-
Create a comfort
level to enjoy the experience and make
a difference
As
Future Leaders making a difference matters because when good men do
nothing, nothing good gets done!
We utilized the Explain-Demo-Do style of teaching trying to utilize the different adult learning styles and techniques.
Phil B following on Ledger boards and joist hangers.
Bam team member "doing phase"
The work this team will do will forever remain a testament to the strength of character of
their unique group of men.
This years team is from all over the country [ see team roster] but I'm sure they will make some cool
memories, lifelong friends, and spend
quality time with the kids who benefiting from their dedication and hard work.
Explain phase - Reciprocating saws, wood and metal cutting
Do phase
To prepare our lesson plans, and guide us on what props to build, we spent hours studying the Build America photo albums of previous years BAM teams.
This way we could see which tools they needed, and what types of projects, tool, and materials they worked with.
During our training we taught building techniques, instilled proper tool safety and usage but also tried to set reasonable job site expectations that these six weeks will
prove to be one of the most difficult yet rewarding times of their lives.
Layout, sledge hammers and stakes
Tool Donations
Prior to receiving the generous tool donations from Milwaukee, Stanley and DeWalt tool companies the BAM crew had a sparse toolbox. They used mostly DIY grade tools, some damaged, and were grossly under tooled in both tool quality and variety.
On prior years there was simply not enough tools to go around for all of the BAM team. Some would work, others would stand idle and watch or they would split up to play with the campers.
The generosity of these tool companies will now allow all of the crew member to be effective and useful during their camp site projects.
Setting Expectations for a Job-site
We stressed that in real life situations, not
every project will be ideal, and things will go wrong.
In addition to skills training we stressed problem solving, improvising and overcoming these situations. As well as working to the best of their
ability and leaving a lasting impact on that camp.
Our overall message to the BAM team was don't
just be part of something great, be the difference that
makes it great!
Concord Carpenter Crew Quotes
Joshua Bordenca, ACC crew / carpenter
"The last two days has been spirit lifting. Whether indirectly or directly, we are
all changing lives for the better. Rob mentioned it in his
introduction, "When good men do nothing, nothing good gets done." We did
something amazing, and to have even a small part in helping folks with
disabilities grow and experience things that everyone has the God given
right to, words cannot express truly how great this was. "
Deck nuilding and components
"I personally
feel grateful to have been part of such a great cause. These young men
of BAM displayed a curiosity and respect for the knowledge and tools
provided to them. It was that look in their eyes that brought me back
to my first years of learning the carpentry trade and rejuvenated my
spirit and passion for the craft we have all come to love.
Bottom line,
helping people help others, leaving people / places better than we found them,
that is what we are here for. I cannot wait to hear from the BAM team
with their progress and how they may have used just a little of what we
could teach them.
Just an all around amazing two days!"
Concrete drilling, wedge anchors
Table and miter saw safety
Nick Jullian - BAM team member and ACC Ambassador
"I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your patience, your
inspiration, and for your incredible guidance these past two days. Your time in helping my team
and me has made me more confident than ever that I am capable of doing
great quality work safely."
Posts, piers and structural support
"I truly cannot
express how greatly you've impacted my life and I cannot wait to share
with you how your lessons have helped people with disabilities. I can
assure you that every time I make a cut, drill a hole, or use a humble
hand tool, your words and directions will be in my mind and thoughts."
Measure and layout
"For
me a simple "thank you" doesn't seem like enough to express my
gratitude, but until I can find something, thanks for now. You
guys are those "good men" and I hope to follow your example. I wish you
all the greatest of success and I hope that you keep safe in your work."
Renovation and remodeling
Phil Benevides - ACC crew / carpenter
"Do well this summer and thanks for giving your summer to BAM.
Your
sweat and attention, whether it be on the job-site or at the camp site,
will undoubtedly improve the lives of those campers with disabilities.
I'm sure I speak for everyone involved when I say that it was an honor
and a pleasure to help serve such a noble cause."
Structural and building components
Ethan Bickford - ACC Photographer, crew / carpenter
"My mother has worked with people with disabilities for most
of her life, and all of mine. So when I heard about the Build America program
and the volunteering that Rob and Phil had in mind I immediately thought of my
mother and all the work she's done over the years to help people with
disabilities, and I knew I wanted to participate. There are a lot of volunteer
opportunities out there but few that tie so directly into my passion for carpentry
and making a real direct difference in the lives of kids."
Post replacement, temporary shoring
"The participants in the program were great to work with. A
really good natured group of young men who will go on to help kids with
disabilities have a great summer experience. And will themselves take away
valuable lessons and experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their
lives.
I find it incredibly gratifying to know that I helped make
this a better, safer experience for the BAM participants, and that they will be
able to do even more great work for the kids that will be attending these
camps. "
Read More on this story and the build up to i.
Build America made Concord Carpenter an honorary team member. Support this years team by making a tax deductible donation to Build America donation page.
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