Are you good with your hands? Do you like to build things? If so, do you have some spare time to be a mentor at the Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC)? The BMC is not just a place that focuses on preserving and promoting this city’s maritime history, it’s also a learning center, where those with handy skills are able to pass along their knowhow to middle and high school students who are looking to learn trades. The act of learning how to build a boat, the experience and the hands-on education, becomes a valuable tool that is wielded throughout the rest of their lives.
Some knowledge of tools and wood-working helpful but not required. BMC is looking for people who have a genuine desire to inspire children who are looking to work with their hands and their minds.
Throughout their time with mentors, BMC Hand to Hand students will…
- Discover new pathways to broader learning
- Experience the real-life application and usefulness of math, science, engineering, design and technical applications, safety awareness, and social and emotional skills
- Come to understand the dignity and joy in meaningful work with their hands by building something fun and useful that must be built right!
At this point, the program is growing, which means that more mentors are needed to ensure that every young person that wants to learn these trade skills has an opportunity to do so. That’s where you come in. The BMC is looking for volunteers who are able to work with youth of all cultures and backgrounds on a “one mentor to three students ratio”.
Upcoming Mentor Training Program
Starting on Monday, July 10th, the BMC will host a two week training for existing and new mentors. The two week training will run from 9AM-3PM from July 10th to July 21st at the BMC. During this time, participants will be building a tool box, an Olmstead Skiff, and a 6-Hour Canoe from scratch, as well as learning the milestones and the opportunities to teach at each step of the process. The actual Hand to Hand program will pick up again in September of 2017.
If You Are Interested
Please attend the Mentor Orientation from 5-6PM on Thursday, July 6th at the BMC. To reserve your spot now, please email Brian at brian@buffalomaritimecenter.org or call the office at 716-881-0111.
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