Children Learn Life Lessons

Life skills are always important for children to learn but are even better when the lessons pair with fun! In preparation for spring, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries property managers, Sam Coy and Tom Head, taught children at The Hill how to build their own birdhouse.

First, they took several teenagers to their shop and taught them how to use tools such as a table saw, bandsaw, drill press, belt sander, and an electric miter box to cut out the pieces necessary for the houses. Teaching these skills to kids and exposing them to new experiences can help them later in life or awaken new career paths or hobbies. “We love working with the kids and it is fun to be able to share our skills with them,” said Tom.

The next day at our after-school program, one of the foster moms, Lisa, hosted ten children at her home to assemble the birdhouses. Many of the older kids volunteered to help. “It was an amazing adventure for the kids. Tom and Sam were so patient and helpful with the kids from start to finish. The older kids loved using the power tools and being allowed in the workshop. It made them feel really special,” Lisa said.

“The birdhouse is a good starter project because it is fairly simple and quick to create,” said Tom. “I love woodworking and building things and it seems like most kids do too. They really seemed to be excited and enjoy the building process. It gives a sense of pride to have created something that looks good and is functional.”

The next week, Volunteer & Program Coordinator Daisy Soto helped the children make their birdhouses look bright and cheery for their feathered friends by painting them. The kids look forward to hanging them up around their own houses and watching the birds move into their cozy, new homes. “I know they were all pretty excited and proud of what they had built and are anxious to get them put up,” said Sam.

As the weather warms up, green buds bloom on the branches, and new life emerges, the children can find a quiet spot to sit and watch the bustling in their birdhouses. While they take pride in the beauty of their handiwork, skills, and creativity, they can also glory in God’s good creation and how they have emulated him by making something good with their hands.

To learn more about Life at The Hill, visit coyotehill.org/life-at-the-hill.

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