American Association of Woodturners (AAW) Youth Programs

The AAW believes in the value of teaching young people the art of woodturning. The personal skills learned through woodturning give young people a sense of accomplishment and pride as well as the joy of a life-long activity. To promote youth-turning outreach, many AAW local chapters have created a mentor program, where the skills of woodturning are taught by experienced turners. AAW members have also donated their time in community outreach through demonstrations in schools and to youth organizations in an effort to inform and inspire young people.

YOUTH PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY AAW

The AAW believes in the value of teaching young people the art of woodturning. The personal skills learned through woodturning give young people a sense of accomplishment and pride as well as the joy of a life-long activity.

The youth turning program at our annual symposium has developed into an amazing event. Each year youth are taught skills by top woodturners in the field. After a drawing at the conclusion of the symposium, 25 lucky youth go home with a new lathe.

The AAW sponsors the Young Turners Program, a youth turning outreach mentor program through members of local chapters, where the skills of woodturning are taught by experienced turners.

Phase one of the program involves the creation of simple spindle projects. Successful completion of this phase rewards the young turner with a woodturning student certificate.

Phase two is designed to increase skill with more complex projects. At the end of phase two, the young turner receives a woodturning journeyman certificate, along with a complementary one year AAW membership. This has been a very fulfilling program for our AAW members to participate in…working with the younger generation helps to keep us young! It is truly a win-win situation.

Donations supporting the education of youth in woodturning teach life skills that last generations.

Thank you for your generous support of our youth woodturning outreach efforts.