Hands On Deck teaches traditional industrial arts to build mechanical skills in learners of all ages. 

2025 Summer Camps

This summer we will be hosting summer camps at our new location in Ashwaubenon for ages 5 years and up. Camps will run Monday through Thursday starting at 9am and ending at 3:30. We will provide wrap around care in the morning and late afternoon (8am-9am) and (3:30-4:30) for $15 per hour. Campers will need to bring a bag lunch and snacks. A signed waiver is required for anyone to participate in any activity.

Nuts and Bolts Camp introduces young builders (ages 5-7) to essential tools, materials, and hands-on techniques for building and creating. Through guided projects and open ended exploration, campers develop critical thinking skills and learn how to approach and solve problems creatively. These problem-solving experiences help build confidence and lay the foundation for future success.

Take home projects include: bolt board, handmade ruler and try square, penny bank cube, small table lamp, secret compartment lidded box, and a self paced self directed project.

Ages 5-7 / Four Day Camp Price:$300 ($11.54 Hour) / Times: 9am-3:30pm (8am drop-off and 4:30 pickup options) / Dates: 06/09/25-06/12/25 and 07/28/25-07/31/25

REGISTER HERE

Leather Working Camp plunges students into the field of leather craft through hands on projects they’ll use, wear, and give as gifts. Campers will build a custom fit leather belt, collection pouch, tool holster; with a wood and leather shoulder bag as a capstone project for the week. Other projects include, bracelets, jewelry, catchalls, wallet, and a dog leash.

Skills learned: Measuring and Cutting Leather, making patters and using templates, riveting, sewing, and leather finishing.

Ages 7-10 / Four Day Camp Price:$300 ($11.54 Hour) / Times: 9am-3:30pm (8am drop-off and 4:30 pickup options) / Dates: 06/16/25-06/19/25

REGISTER HERE

Hand Tool Woodworking 101 introduces young makers to the satisfying rhythm of working with their hands by cutting, shaping, and joining wood using classic tools like saws, chisels, planes, and drills. Campers will learn the basics of measuring, marking, and building as they create simple, useful projects from scratch. Along the way, they’ll discover the stories behind traditional craftsmanship and build confidence with every curl of wood shaving.

Take home projects include: hand made try square and ruler and mallet, mortise and tenon box, small hinged box w/ plinth, and a shaker stool/bench.

Ages 7-10 / Four Day Camp Price:$300 ($11.54 Hour) / Times: 9am-3:30pm (8am drop-off and 4:30 pickup options) / Dates: 06/23/25-06/26/25

REGISTER HERE

Bushcraft Camp invites young explorers to connect with nature through hands-on learning, conservation, and self-sufficiency. Campers begin by assessing their environment and gathering materials with care, then build skills in knot tying, carving, shelter making, and problem solving. Blending traditional sloyd techniques with modern bushcraft, this camp encourages resilience, critical thinking, and a deep respect for the natural world.

Take home projects include: deployable bushcraft tarp with lines and crafted stakes, cooking and eating utensils, and various other woodland crafts.

Ages 10-14 / Four Day Camp Price:$300 ($11.54 Hour) / Times: 9am-3:30pm (8am drop-off and 4:30 pickup options) / Dates: 06/30/25-07/03/25

REGISTER HERE

  • Industrial Arts - Elementary Mechanical Skills

    EMS was developed as a foundation for mentoring young children ages five to nine in the area of mechanical skills. Projects are tailored for each child in each group, and classroom size is kept to a minimum to maximize mentorship.

    Class values include : critical thinking for problem solving, developing self worth, respecting tools and personal space, conservation of materials, and serving others.

  • Industrial Arts

    For students that love to build and need a challenge, Industrial Arts provides an alternative to YouTube and modern technical education. At Hands On Deck, we focus on cultivating a mindset that blends traditional mechanical skills and tools with foundational shop math and measurement. We enhance this foundation by introducing state-of-the-art tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers. Our classes cover simple and complex mechanics, structural design, and the safe use of industrial power tools. We offer industrial arts education in person at our shop, in local schools, and virtually—reaching hundreds of students who might not otherwise have access to hands-on mechanical training.

  • Wooden Boat Building and Restoration

    We are a respected resource in our community for teaching youth and adults the skills needed to build and restore beautiful wooden boats. Our latest boat (The Off Center Harbor Skiff) was a traditionally built with plank on frame construction. Later this year we will be building skin on frame canoes in our new boat shop in Ashwaubenon.

  • Community Programming

    We started in 2016 working with the Brown County PALS program, and since then we have hosted scores of community groups and organizations interested in building mechanical skills and abilities with their youth and adults.

    Please reach out if you are a scout leader, club director, or program courdinator to see the variety of programming we can offer your group. We offer programming to all ages including large senior groups.