Summary
Young people love to build something, so why not build something by welding metal together. They can create a work of art by welding horseshoes together and learn a skill at the same time.
Situation
All children crave an opportunity to create something; however, their creativity may be in a different direction than that of a typical art, music, or writing class. Most schools have opted to no longer offer courses that teach manual skills, such as welding. The focus of many schools today has become solely to emphasize “book learning.” While that certainly is important, it is also necessary to provide opportunities for those students whose talents and skills may lie in manual work. All children are created differently in the way that they process information. Some do well on tests, and some do things well with their hands. Today's society tends to believe that if a child doesn't do well in school, they are less “worthy.” This is not the case, however. There is infinite value in every child; the possibilities just need to be tapped and directed in the right manner. The opportunity to experience a different type of life skill, such as welding, can be intellectually rewarding and can be good for self-esteem. During the summer months, many young people look for activities that would be fun, exciting and fulfill that desire to “build” something. More of today's parents have fewer manual skills they can share with their children, and are therefore limited with the activities they can provide at home.
Response
When making up the 4-H Summer Fun Program, an “Art Welding Program” was scheduled. Two welding classes would be taught by the Extension 4-H Agent. The classes were scheduled for six students at a time for three hours on consecutive days.
Impact
The response was overwhelming with the two classes filled and over twenty on a waiting list. Another class was scheduled bringing the class total to eighteen. Each of the eighteen 4-H'ers received three hours of instruction. The students watched an instructional video on how to weld and the safety practices they must use while welding. After the students master the art of fusing two pieces of metal together, they select a project they would like to make from the samples. The samples include a cowboy or a cat made out of horseshoes. The horseshoes and pieces of metal were then welded together to form the figures. The 4-H'ers were taught how to clean and spray paint their project. Each student completed an art project they could take home. The students were excited and proud of their accomplishments. The parents were amazed at the skills learned in such a short time. The 4-H'ers on the waiting list were told to schedule an appointment for a class at the 4-H office. Six students have taken advantage of the classes at the 4-H office. This brings the total to 24 young people that have learned the skill of Creative Art Welding.
State Issue
Other Programming
Details
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Year:
2010
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Geographic Scope:
County
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County:
Walton
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Program Areas:
