Let's be honest—your kid probably knows more about TikTok than how to hang a shelf. After years of mentoring young people (and yes, patching holes up after them), I've learned something important: kids are desperate to build real things in the real world. Here at Midnight Hollow Academy, nestled in Monkton's gorgeous mountains, I'll be teaching 5th grade through 12th grade the timeless skills that build confidence and capability. Think small groups of 5-8 future makers learning everything from proper tool safety (no hammers in walls on my watch!) to building their first workbench. And yes, I'll even teach them how to grow food that doesn't come from a delivery app. After mentoring hundreds of kids through traditional crafts and hands-on projects, I can tell you this: there's nothing quite like watching a kid who's just built their first project show it off to their peers or parents. At MHA, we're not just teaching skills—we're raising the kind of capable, confident young people who can tackle real-world challenges with their own two hands. And trust me, they'll have way more fun than scrolling through their phones.
Personal Toolbox with Dovetail Joints - Students craft their own heirloom-quality toolbox, learning precision woodworking and joinery techniques that showcase their developing skills.
Mini Tabletop Workbench - A foundational project teaching measurement, planning, and construction while creating a practical workspace for future crafts.
Comprehensive power tool certification and safety training. Students learn proper use of hand tools, power tools, and essential safety equipment.
Blueprint reading, material estimation, and project timeline management. Students develop critical planning abilities needed for successful project completion.
Small class sizes (5-8 students) ensure personalized attention and maximum hands-on time with tools and materials.
Regular interaction with skilled instructors and collaborative work with peers builds confidence and communication skills.
Students earn a personal safety certification covering proper use of power tools, hand tools, and protective equipment.
Before we fire up the power tools and start building amazing things together, I need to make sure your young maker is ready for this adventure. As someone who has taught kids and still has all ten fingers (and wants to keep it that way), I have a few important requirements.
First, the practical stuff. Your child should be able to:
I know this might sound like a lot, but here's the deal: I want your child to have an amazing, safe experience learning these life-changing skills. While I love teaching kids of all abilities, I can't accept students who aren't able to follow basic safety instructions or who can't physically handle the tools we use. It's not about excluding anyone – it's about making sure everyone goes home with all their fingers and toes, preferably attached to cool projects they made themselves.
If you're reading this list thinking, "My kid's going to love this!" – fantastic! If you're not sure about something, let's talk. I'd rather have an honest conversation now than a difficult one later. And remember, some of my best students started out nervous but determined. They just needed to be ready to learn and willing to take it seriously when it matters.
Let's talk timing—because you can't build your future woodworking empire if you don't know when to show up. Our spring session is perfectly timed to rescue your kids from that dangerous post-school, pre-dinner time window when homework hasn't started and snack wrappers are mysteriously appearing everywhere.
Kickoff: Thursday, April 25th
Schedule: Every Friday for 6 weeks
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Midnight Hollow Workshop
Address: 1890 Bristol Rd., Monkton, VT
Snacks: Provided (because hungry kids and power tools don't mix)
Transportation: Students can take the bus directly here
Bus Route: Monkton Elementary school line
What to Bring: Closed-toe boots preferred and enthusiasm
What to Leave: Screen addiction and fear of sawdust
| Session | Date | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | Safety First! Tool introduction and planning our projects |
| 2 | May 2 | Measuring twice, cutting once (your first cuts!) |
| 3 | May 9 | Joinery basics – where things get interesting |
| 4 | May 16 | Project assembly – watching it come together |
| 5 | May 23 | Finishing touches – sanding, staining, and secrets |
| 6 | May 30 | Final projects and celebration (parents invited!) |
Pro parent tip: We're on the same bus line as Monkton Elementary, which means my own kid shares the same voyage home as yours will. That's my way of saying I've personally vetted this bus route and can vouch for its ability to deliver small humans without misplacing them.
Let's talk money – specifically, how I'm practically giving away my blood, sweat, and tears (mostly sweat) during this inaugural season. For our first run of classes, I'm offering what my accountant calls "questionable business decisions" but what I call an investment in getting things perfect.
Here's what your child gets:
Why am I charging only slighty more than my material costs? Because I'm invested in getting this program exactly right. Think of it as my "beta testing" phase, where your feedback helps shape the future of Midnight Hollow Academy. Plus, I really love teaching kids, even if it means eating ramen noodles for a while. (Please feed me bread)
Why am I so open about my prices and where the money is going, since someone could one-up me and do it cheaper? Because I'm tired of people backstabbing each other over a dollar, and I'd much rather be an open and honest person about where everything is going rather than having someone wonder if I'm taking advantage of them. I also hate websites that make you hunt for the actual cost or send your email in first.
Future seasons will be priced to reflect the true value of the program (and maybe let me buy some groceries that aren't from the instant noodle aisle) at prices likely $500 to $700. But for now, you're getting an incredible deal while helping me fine-tune everything from project pacing to which jokes land with the youths.
And yes, before you ask – this is the only time I'll be offering this pricing. When your friends ask you later how much you paid, you get to smile mysteriously and say "I got in early." Just like those Bitcoin people, but with actual useful skills to show for it.
* Price includes applicable taxes. A 3% charge applies for payments made with a credit card.
Let's be honest—our modern economy doesn't always reward the most practical skills (I'm looking at you, TikTok dance coaches). But here at Midnight Hollow, we're big believers in the ancient art of bartering. Turns out, your skills or supplies might be worth their weight in woodworking tuition.
Can't swing the full registration fee? I get it. Money's weird right now for everyone. Lucky for you, I need more than just cash to run this place—I need fence posts that don't lean like they've had too many beers, and rabbits that don't have to share an apartment with my power tools.
These skills or materials will cover the ENTIRE course cost. Yes, really.
These will knock off a chunk of the tuition—how much depends on how much you bring to the table.
The best part? Some of these trades can be performed by the students themselves (with appropriate adult supervision, of course). Nothing teaches the value of education like literally working for it. And yes, I'm aware this makes me sound like someone's grandpa who walked uphill both ways to school—but he wasn't wrong about everything.
Not sure if your trade proposal works? Just ask. I'm pretty flexible as long as it doesn't involve interpretive dance or cryptocurrency mining in my workshop. Though I'm open to being convinced on the dance part if it's really spectacular.
Midnight Hollow Academy provides comprehensive skills education for youths and young adults 5th grade through 12th grade. I understand the importance of hands-on learning and practical skill development. Sign up below to register your interest in our upcoming programs and enrollment opportunities.
Lee Delarm
1890 Bristol Rd.
Monkton, VT 05443
You can also contact us by phone at 312-532-7083 or email lee.delarm@gmail.com.
