|
|
|
COLTS Program |
 |
|||||||||
Find a topic: Search
Also try:  Conferences Donate to the Scholarship Fund
| ||||||||||
|
Volunteers needed for COLTS raising
Excitement is mounting in Huffman, Texas, as the raising of the COLTS Cooperative Workshop draws near. Here's some general information about the COLTS program and the April raising -- fodder for future projects that draw together the Guild, school and local officials, government agencies, senior citizens, and young people. To meet a few of the student participants, please read on.  Frame drawing of the COLTS workshop to be raised April 24-25. The open shed at left rear and open bays on all four sides allow easy truck and forklift access. Designed especially for timber framing operations with two offices, this frame is reminiscent of the timber framing shop in Switzerland wither Simon Gnehm had his apprenticeship. Drawing by S. Gnehm. Where is Huffman?Huffman is on the northeast side of Lake Houston, only 25 miles from George Bush International Airport and 40 minutes from William P. Hobby Airport, both near Houston, Texas.What is COLTS?COLTS is an acronym for Community Organized for Learning, Training, and Sharing. The idea for the COLTS program began with Guild member Paul Cooper, who wanted to see a wood shop program for the youth and senior citizens in his community. Paul coordinated his efforts for many years with Guild members, school and local officials, and government agencies.Funding and support came from several sources: Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Harris County Community Development Agency, Texas Governor's Office Safe and Drug Free Schools program, Huffman Independent School District (this particular district provides matching and in-kind funds), and substantial in-kind support from Harris County Precinct Four. Amid much cheering, COLTS was born. It is currently funded for three years and will continue to seek further funding. COLTS is evolving daily in what it is and aspires to be. Currently, (COLTS exists as an apprenticeship-craft training program at the Hargrave High School in Huffman. It is led by Guild members Bonnie and Simon Gnehm, more affectionately known to their students as Mr. and Mrs. G., who have done an outstanding job of putting this program into motion without the benefit of a guidebook or job description! Their devotion, creativity, and passion for the COLTS program, the students, the community, and the craft, are awe-inspiring to say the least. Bonnie and Simon spend about 12 hours per week in classroom instruction of the 26 students who were accepted into the program. In addition to woodworking skills, the students also receive support services (provided by Bonnie) such as counseling, education and career guidance, and tutoring. Who are the students?
The program is open (by application) to 9th through
12th grade students. Parental-guardian approval and support are important factors. The selection process includes
an expression of interest and enthusiasm for learning timber framing and woodworking.
 These students are motivated to handle themselves responsibly in the unique and
non-traditional classroom setting: they excel when working with their hands and, quite simply, were selected as having the "right stuff" for the program.
The typical COLTS student is one who is actively
looking for an alternative, hands-on learning environment.
What are the current goals of the COLTS program?We are now cutting the frame for the classroom-shop itself. Under the direction of Mr. G., the students are doing all of the cutting for the building. Half are already using power tools, while the others are learning how to use them.A continuing goal of the COLTS program is to construct structures for the enrichment of the community, fostering togetherness. We encourage adult members of the community to participate at the shop by mentoring students. The wood shop will be located next to the local community center on land donated by the County Commissioner, only one mile from the high school. So the shop will serve not only the school, but the entire community as well. What else about the raising?The raising is scheduled for the weekend of April 24-25. Preparations will begin on site two weeks before the raising, with Joel McCarty and Will Beemer on hand to take the lead. The raising promises to be a fun-filled and festive occasion for the entire community. Our quaint lithe town will host fun activities for the weekend, and the Guild will run its booth (for which volunteers are needed).Texas is beautiful in the spring, and camping for the weekend will be a great family outing. The high school gym will be available for overnight stay, with the locker-room restroom and shower facilities available. Transportation to and from the airport will be provided by COLTS; if you plan to join us, please pass on your flight info ASAP. Transportation to and from the job site will also be provided by COLTS. All meals for working Guild participants (including those who run the Guild booth) will be provided for the weekend. We need to know your plans by March 12, so let us know if you plan to participate.
Come watch the excitement on the faces of these kids as they see the
fruits of their labor. We need your help, encouragement, support, and
participation, and we look forward to any suggestions or comments
you have. Please direct all inquiries to Simon and Bonnie Gnehm,
281-324-1845 x 125 (home phone 281-296-7049); to Paul and Janice
Cooper, 281-324-2818; or to Will or Joel. —- Janice Cooper
|
Certificates of Appreciation More Information Meet the COLTS Students An Interview with Jenny and Jason A Day in the Life | |||||||||
| ||||||||||
