Greenville County Blacksmithing and Sticksmithing Workshop

Forge Fire & Build with Sticks – A Hands-On Maker Experience for Ages 5–18!

Date: Friday, May 23
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Marietta First Baptist Church
Cost: Free

Get ready for a day full of sparks, creativity, and hands-on learning! Join us for the Blacksmithing & Sticksmithing Workshop, where kids and teens will explore traditional trades, tackle a STEM-inspired challenge, and enjoy time outdoors with fellow makers.

Step into the forge and learn the basics of blacksmithing with real tools and guidance from our skilled instructor and Union County 4-H agent, Mark Cathcart. Teens will experience:

• Forging techniques and safety
• Shaping and bending metal
• Creating a simple project to take home

Learning Objectives:

• Learn basic tool safety and forge setup
• Practice fundamental forging techniques
• Understand how heat changes metal
• Create a simple forged project to take home

Closed-toe shoes required. No prior experience is needed—just a sense of adventure and respect for the craft!

Younger participants will dive into the world of popsicle stick engineering with a fun and creative workshop that includes:

• Bridge Building Challenge inspired by the 4-H STEM Engineering Challenge
• Lessons in stability, support, and structure
• Designing, testing, and improving model bridges
• Hands-on building time using popsicle sticks, glue, and basic tools
• A final strength test to see whose bridge holds the most weight!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore basic engineering principles
• Practice problem-solving and critical thinking
• Develop creativity and design skills
• Work independently and as a team

Throughout the day, everyone is invited to enjoy live blacksmithing and leatherworking demonstrations, where you’ll see real tools and traditional skills in action. Watch sparks fly, leather get shaped, and projects come to life before your eyes! At the end of the day, we’ll gather everyone to witness the Bridge Challenge Test — where the bridges are put to the test to see which design is the strongest!

All participants should bring a packed lunch for a picnic break midday. Bring a blanket if you'd like!

This unique, hands-on workshop connects kids and teens to practical skills, STEM concepts, and the joy of making something with their own two hands. Whether they’re forging metal or building with wood, they’ll leave with pride in what they created and memories that stick.

🎟️ Spots are limited — register now to save your place!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents are welcome to stay and watch or enjoy nearby spaces while kids participate.

For questions, contact: Amie Mabe, YW1pZW0gfCBjbGVtc29uICEgZWR1
Hosted by: Travelers Rest Homeschool Club

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Membership requirement: Current 4-H membership in is required for participation in this event.

Custodial Care:Youth must be approved, enrolled members in 4HOnline with South Carolina 4-H Youth Development to attend this event. This is a custodial care event. Only adult chaperones and invited facilitators approved to be at the event will be allowed onsite during this event. Youth must be signed in and signed out by a parent/guardian or designated representative.

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