Why Woodworking?
Because it’s fun and gives kids real opportunities to practice life skills—not just hear about them.
Hand tools help kids think.
Instead of powering through a task, kids will learn to ask: Why is the wood doing this? How should I respond? Hand tools require attention and intention—so students aren’t just forcing a result, they’re understanding the process.
Struggle is part of the learning.
Instructors won't stop a student's work to give a speech on perseverance. We'll wait for the right moment—when something gets hard—and offer a question or prompt to guide them. Traits like perseverance or problem-solving stick when students develop them: in the moments of struggle, not from a speech.
Pride multiplies with ownership.
As kids gain experience, our guidance will gets lighter. They'll take charge of their bench, their tools, and their next steps. With each class, they'll grow more capable—and more confident in what they can handle on their own.
Kids deserve more than activities
that just keep them busy
That's why we're creating
The Bench
It's not simply a woodworking class - It is a place where kids take a break from screens, learn to slow down, solve problems, and build confidence by doing something real.
We want to give our children something that helps them grow: build confidence, develop life skills, and feel proud of what they’ve made. So many programs either focus on competition or rush to keep kids busy.
What kid's and parent's said after testing this...
The girls keep asking,
"when can we go back for more woodworking?"
CL, Parent
I realized that I learn things quicker when it's fun and I get to do what I'm learning.
TL, 12 yrs old
There’s a sense of
self-actualization
when he’s holding the result he’s proud of”.
SB, Parent
I feel powerful
when I'm using the tools on a project.
KV, 9 yrs old
I like that I get to practice with the tools
over and over again and see the results. "
ML, 12 yrs old
I like that I am expected to get the tools I need and put them back when I'm done "
CC, 10 yrs old
More than an instructor, Bern is a mentor with a mission.
Meet Bern
Meet Bern
More than an instructor, Bern is a mentor with a mission.
He combines 10 years of experience working in cabinet shops and making furniture with a Master of Arts in Teaching at the Elementary Level. He has more than 20 years of experience in Public and private schools, coaching, and mentoring young people.
Bern is creating The Bench to give kids the opportunity to use real tools, create practical projects, and discover that stepping outside their comfort zones and learning by doing is not only how they grow, but also why it's fun.
He combines 10 years of experience working in cabinet shops and making furniture with a Master of Arts in Teaching at the Elementary Level. He has more than 20 years of experience in Public and private schools, coaching, and mentoring young people.
Bern is creating The Bench to give kids the opportunity to use real tools, create practical projects, and discover that stepping outside their comfort zones and learning by doing is not only how they grow, but also why it's fun.
How It Works
We make it simple to get early access. Here's how:
1. Join the Priority Waitlist
Takes 15 seconds to sign up.
Be one of the first families in line when enrollment opens.
2. Get Updates First
Follow our progress as we build The Bench—from developing our space to preparing our classes.
3. Get Early Access
Waitlist families get first access to class spots before we open to the public.
