A MakerLab is a place where the general public can come, learn, develop, and create with tools that they do not have ready access to them in their home, school, or workspace. With this in mind, we would like to add MakerLab to your tool box of community outreach, publicity, and revenue generation.
Most MakerLabs use the projects that are available in the Make: and Craft: Magazines to help teach people skills such as wiring, programming, general tool safety, and many other topics. These would be in line with the Scouting movement, and could be arranged to help support the merit badge program that you already offer.
Examples of Merit Badges that could be enhanced are: Programming, Digital Technologies, Home Repairs, Electricity, Robotics, Inventing, etc. Many MakerLabs also bring in subject matter experts to lead classes to build the communities involvement with the “Maker Movement”.
People tend to use these labs because they have tools and materials that they may not have at home, such as a 3D printer, CNC machine (computer controlled milling and etching), Electronics testing equipment, Quilting/Sewing Machines, and many more. Some of this equipment can cost upwards of several thousand dollars.
For the average consumer, they will not be able to purchase these, even if they save for months and years. Since the BSA’s mission is to prepare the youth of our nation, MakerLab is a way for them to learn to work with these technologies. Otherwise, they may not be exposed to until they go to College or beyond.
MakerLab is in line with the Scouting movement as a way to instill in youth and adults… the proper use of tools and technologies. The operating of the MakerLab can become a magnet to increase membership in the Council, as well as spread the high ideals of Scouting.
The Lodge would like to contribute to this project by purchasing, or contributing to the purchase of a 3D printer or similar product. This will help in the mission of the MakerLab and the Scouting movement by improving the abilities of the space and bringing more people that would be interested in these kinds of projects.
While the MakerLab will be an ongoing operation for the Council, the Lodge’s financial will be completed before October 31st, 2016, but the Lodge may continue to supply more volunteers for the operation of this MakerLab in the future as well.