Heritage Series: Youth Woodworking Workshop (Ages: 11-13)

Ages: 11–13

Saturday, April 11, 2026
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Wade Cabin

Introduce your child to traditional woodworking through Discovery Park of America’s Heritage Series. Led by master folk artist TJ Southard of Fresh Sawdust, this hands-on class teaches practical skills, creativity and confidence using basic hand tools in a safe and supportive environment.

Students will learn foundational woodworking skills such as measuring, cutting, smoothing and joining wood, along with proper tool safety and the use of hand tools like hammers, hand saws and hand planes. Each student will complete a quality project to take home.

You will discover:

• Basic woodworking skills including measuring, cutting and shaping wood

• Safe use of traditional hand tools

• Techniques for building functional wooden projects

• The craftsmanship behind handmade woodworking

Projects may include a toolbox, boot jack or small wall shelf.

About the Instructor

TJ Southard is the owner of Fresh Sawdust and a two-time Missouri Folk Art Master Artist. A longtime 4-H volunteer instructor and former visiting craftsman at Silver Dollar City, Southard specializes in teaching traditional woodworking skills to young makers while helping students create meaningful projects and learn the value of craftsmanship and creativity.

Please verify you are registering for the correct age group before selecting tickets below.

Have a younger student?
Discovery Park is also offering a Heritage Series Youth Woodworking Workshop for ages 8–10 on Friday, April 10.