About the program

1. What is Intuitive Woodworking?

Intuitive Woodworking is a hand-tool woodworking program for kids in Santa Barbara. I run summer camps, afterschool classes, and homeschool classes where children learn to saw, carve, drill, and shape real wood into things they can use. The work is about craft, confidence, and community — in that order.

2. Why hand tools instead of power tools?

Hand tools are quiet, slow, and direct. A child can feel the wood respond to every stroke of a saw or knife, and that connection is where real learning happens. They also let kids work at their own pace, side by side, in a calm space where everyone can hear each other.

3. What is the opening verse?

Every class begins with a short verse we say together. It's a simple way to arrive: whatever happened before class is set down, and we're here to work. Kids learn it quickly, and many parents tell me their children recite it at home.

4. Who teaches the classes?

I do. I'm Ben Kenan, a licensed teacher with 15 years in the classroom, including 6 years teaching woodworking at the Waldorf School of Santa Barbara. I'm an educator first and a woodworker second, and every class is built around how children actually learn: a short demonstration, then room to try.

Safety

5. Is it safe for kids to use real tools?

Yes, when it's taught well. Every tool is introduced with a demonstration and clear rules before anyone picks it up, and I watch closely as kids practice. Respect for sharp tools is part of what we learn, and children rise to it when you trust them with real work.

6. What tools will my child use?

Saws, carving knives, chisels, gouges, hand drills, rasps, files, mallets, clamps, and sandpaper. Tools are matched to each child's age and readiness. We do not use power tools in class.

7. How many kids are in a class, and how closely are they supervised?

Classes are kept small, with no more than 12 , but usually 8 students per instructor. Summer camp also has junior counselors. New or higher-risk tasks, like knife carving, happen with me right beside the student.

8. What happens if my child gets hurt?

Most injuries in hand-tool work are small: a splinter, a scrape, a nick from a carving knife. I keep a first aid kit on hand and hold current First Aid/CPR certification. I'll tell you about anything beyond a bandage at pick-up, and I'll call you right away for anything more serious.

9. Will my child wear safety gear?

Yes. Kids wear safety glasses when sawing, chiseling, or striking with a mallet. Wood is secured in a vise or clamp before cutting, so hands stay clear of the blade.

Ages and fit

10. What ages do you teach?

Most programs are for ages 9 to 14. I also offer a shorter class for younger children. Each program listing shows its age range.

11. My child has never done woodworking. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Most kids arrive with no experience. We start with the basics — how to hold a saw, how to read the grain — and build from there. It doesn't need to be perfect to be good. The goal is to build skills and confidence.

12. Is this a good fit for kids who learn differently?

Often, yes. Woodworking is hands-on, moves at each child's pace, and gives kids something real to show for their effort. Many children who struggle to sit still in a classroom do well at the bench. Please tell me about your child's needs before class so I can set them up to succeed.

13. My child has taken a class before. Is there a next step?

Yes. Returning students take on harder projects and new techniques — more precise joinery, larger pieces, and more of their own design. No two sessions have to repeat.

Projects and the day

14. What will my child make?

Useful, beautiful things sized to a child's hands. Past projects include wooden eggs, spinning tops, carved spoons, knives with wooden sheaths, mallets, three legged stools, a small Shaker shelf, and other small pieces of furniture. Projects get more challenging as skills grow.

15. Do kids take their projects home?

Yes. Everything your child makes is theirs to keep. Longer projects stay in the shop until they're finished, then come home on the last day.

16. What does a typical class look like?

We open with the verse, then I demonstrate one or two new steps. Kids go to their benches and work while I move between them, helping where needed. We clean up together and close the day as a group. Summer camp also includes outdoor games like archery, soccer, and disc golf.

17. Can my child design their own project?

Yes, and I encourage it. Kids learn core skills on a shared project first, then have room to change the design or make something of their own. Some of the best ideas in class come from the kids.

Logistics

18. What should my child wear and bring?

Closed-toe shoes are required. Clothes should be comfortable and okay to get dusty; long hair tied back. Please send a water bottle and a snack [and lunch for full-day camp]. I provide all tools, wood, and safety gear.

19. Where are classes held?

I have my shop located at my house, but I am mobile as well. I can come to you or at a specific school for after school programs. Exact addresses and drop-off details are sent when you register.

20. Can I stay and watch, or join my child?

You're welcome to see the shop at drop-off or pick-up. During class, kids work best on their own, so I ask parents to step away. Throughout the year, I will offer parent-child workshops

21. What if we miss a class, or the weather is bad?

Missed classes can't be refunded, but I'll help your child catch up on their project at the next session. Most of our work happens under cover, so we rarely cancel. If I do need to cancel, I'll email or text you the day before and add a make-up date. If a make up day is possible, I am willing to meet to ensure the child can complete their session. ***Subject to scheduling.

Registration and cost

22. How much do classes cost, and what's included?

Fall series run 8 weeks and cost $400. Tuition covers all instruction, tools, wood, finishes, and safety gear. There are no extra materials fees.

23. How do I pay? Do you offer sibling discounts or financial help?

I accept cash, Zelle and Venmo. I am also a Heartland Community Partner (Vendor) as well.

24. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Full refund up to 30 days before the program starts, 50% up to 14 days before, and no refund after that unless I can fill your spot. If I cancel a program, you get a full refund.

25. Do you offer private classes, group events, or programs for schools?

Yes. I work with homeschool pods, schools, and community groups, and I can design a one-time workshop or a full series. Email me at intuitivewoodworking@gmail.com with your group size, ages, and dates. I do Birthdays as well.