Designing a one-of-a-kind vacation experience at GLBBS this summer…

…endless opportunities for everyone have been planned by the School and the Program Director, Patrick Mahon.

CUSTOM WORKSHOPS  -  You pick the dates and the projects…great experience for families and groups.

CHESAPEAKE LIGHT CRAFT KITS  -  Build your own boat in a short week with our top instructors at your side.  Tuition is half-price for a companion.  Class size limited to ten.

PADDLE MAKING CLASS  -  dates determined by interest.

UNIQUE ARTISAN WORKSHOPS

                     METAL CASTINGS by Dr. Dan Fields

     An exceptional, hands-on course in the production of metal castings, taught by Dr. Dan Fields, professor in the School of Engineering Technology at EMU, and EMU’s Foundry Education Foundation’s Key Foundry Professor.

     Students will be taught a variety of casting and core making processes and the skills necessary to produce foundry patterns and tooling.  Aluminum and bronze castings will be made.  The class includes ancient art practices, such as lost wax and green sand molding, as well as modern materials such as chemically bonded molding materials, rubber molding and castable plastics.  The hobby metal caster will be provided with information on where he/she can obtain or build the equipmen and materials necessary to set up one’s own foundry.

     Participants are encouraged to bring their own parts to cast, such as from an antique boat or a classic car, lamps, etc.  Please contact the instructor if you have a part that you wish to cast, to ensure that the appropriate equipment and materials are available.   dfields@emich.edu  Class is limited to ten, so register early.  Dan is donating his expertise and time to GLBBS.

               MAKING A 12-FT. OJIBWA BIRCH BARK CANOE

     A demonstration workshop by renowned artist and craftsman, Ronald J. Paquin, Migizi Doodem Mookodaasowinini (Eagle Clan Carver), an elder of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  His awards for his art forms of all natural materials, most of which he gathers himself, are numerous, with work exhibited in cultural centers and galleries around the country.  He has been awarded nine Michigan State University Master Artist Grants  -  six for birch bark canoe making.  He was awarded an Art Serve Michigan grant to teach birch bark canoe-making to tribal adults and youth.  His various workshops, including porcupine quill/birch bark creations and black ash basket making, are invariably sellouts.   Ron strongly believes in sharing his knowledge and skills to pass on to generations, which he does in a warm and stirring manner.  

                      WATERFOWL CARVING by James Berryhill

     Jim Berryhill is a retired Air Force colonel, living here in the Les Cheneaux Islands with his wife, Madge.  Jim says, “I’ve been carving as long as I can remember,” but he didn’t start carving waterfowl until 1979, when an Air Force friend shared his joy of carving ducks.  Jim has since developed his own style, which has come to be called “Les Cheneaux-style”, and he has been teaching carving over twenty years.  His gentle way will put you right at ease. 

     Jim will show students how to carve and paint to a plan, and how to sharpen and care for tools.   Jim’s unique carving benches that will be used during instruction, will be available for purchase at a special price following the program.  Class size limited to 15.  Please register by 8/15.

Jim is donating his expertise, materials, and time to GLBBS. 

                      COMPLETE SUMMER SCHEDULE 

JUNE 13 – 18     EASTPORT PRAM  -  a rowing/sailing dinghy, this is a great tender for a larger boat, or the perfect boat in which to learn to sail.  We’ll assemble the hull in the workshop.  You can add the sailing rig later.  Instructor:  Patrick Mahon

Register by 5/21.    Tuition: $650   Kit materials: $899   

JUNE 27 – JULY 2    SHEARWATER KAYAK 14,16,17  -   an elegant line of Greenland-style kayaks with different size models for different paddlers.  Instructor:  Adam Burks

Register by 6/4.     Tuition:  $650    Kit materials:  14-ft. - $919     16-ft. & 17 ft. - $1039  

JULY 11 - 16    ANNAPOLIS WHERRY  -  a nice, pulling boat for real-world water conditions.  Ideal with a sliding seat.   Instructor: Patrick Mahon

Register by 6/16.   Tuition:  $650    Kit materials:  $1405

JULY 18 - 23    CUSTOM WORKSHOP  (call for more info)

JULY 26 – 28    PRODUCTION OF METAL CASTINGS by Dr. Dan Fields   9:00 to 4:00 each day.  More information available on line or contact school.  Class limited to 10.  Tuition $300.

AUGUST 1 - 6     WOOD DUCK KAYAK  -  a nice line of recreational kayaks with several sizes available.  A perennial favorite!

Instructor:  Patrick Mahon

Register by 7/9.   Tuition:  $650      Kit materials:    10-ft. - $869

                                                    12-ft. - $919     14-ft. - $1029

AUGUST 2 – 6    OJIBWAY BIRCH BARK CANOE Demonstration Class   

by Ron Paquin    9:00 to 5:00 each day.  1-day advance registration.  Families - $50 per day    Individuals - $25  

AUGUST 8 – 13      SASSAFRAS CANOE  -  an open, lapstrake 12-ft. canoe for one paddler, best propelled with a double paddle like a kayak.

Register by 7/16.    Tuition: $650  Kit materials: 12-ft.- $859   16-ft.- $1049

AUGUST 16-18   Jim Berryhill’s WATERFOWL CARVING    9:30 to 4:30

The recommended tool for the class is available through WOODCRAFT - #05F05 Swiss-made 13mm #8 sweep gouge, currently listed at $32.99.   Other tools will be available to try out.

Class limited to 15.   Register by 8/15.   Tuition:  $300   

ENROLLMENT

For the hands-on experience, workshops are usually limited to 10 students, so early enrollment is encouraged.  A 50% deposit is required at time of application, with complete payment due 30 days prior to event.  There’s a $50 fee for cancellations occurring less than 30 days prior to event.  Within 15-30 days, there is a 50% refund; less than 15 days, no refund.  Tuition paid may be applied to other workshops within a year.