Hands-On Learning Opportunities
CAMPER CAMP (FALL 2026)
Target Audience: High School Young Men (Grades 9–12)
Schedule: Friday & Saturday | Last two weekends of September, first two weekends of October.
The Project: Full interior and mechanical restoration of an antique 1954 Spartan aluminum trailer.
What You’ll Do: * Work alongside 5 seasoned master tradesmen across carpentry, electrical, framing, and metal restoration.
– No fake classroom walls—you see the progress happen from the bare aluminum framing out to the finished trim.
– Learn proper tool safety, measurement precision, material selection, and job-site teamwork.
SMALL BUILDS (Offsite Workshop Construction)
Summary: Backyard Structures Built by Students & Master Builders
Overview: We design and construct high-performance backyard structures—home offices, acoustic studios, pocket ADUs, and flex spaces—in our controlled shop environment before delivering them directly to property owners in Charlottesville/Albemarle County.
How Students Learn: Students work with real blueprints, building codes, and professional materials. Building offsite in a shop means safe, year-round, unhurried instruction in framing, weatherization, mini-split installation, electrical wiring, and trim carpentry.
For Property Owners: Support local youth trade education while getting a custom, high-durability structure delivered to your site with minimal disruption.
TOOL CO-OP & TOOL REPAIR
Summary: Fix What’s Broken. Maintain Your Gear.
Overview: A craftsman is only as good as his care for his tools. The CSOL Tool Co-Op is a dedicated space where students learn machine maintenance, small engine repair, tool restoration, and tool-sharing logistics.
What We Do:
Tool Repair & Maintenance: Learn how to fix saws, drills, generators, and hand tools.
Tool Buying, Selling & Donations: Accepting quality tool donations from the community to outfit young builders entering the trades.
Tool Sharing: A community-supported registry for specialized gear.
THE 4-YEAR CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL (Launching Fall 2027)
Summary: The Complete Post-High School Residential Construction Program
Overview: A comprehensive four-year immersive journey for high school graduates ready to make residential building, remodeling, or general contracting their profession.
Curriculum Focus:
Year 1: Foundations, Tool Mastery, Safety, Framing & Rough-in Trades.
Year 2: Building Science, Enclosure Systems, Insulation, HVAC, & Plumbing.
Year 3: Fine Finishing, Cabinetry, Estimating, & Small Structure Management.
Year 4: Site Management, Socratic Leadership, Client Communication, & Business Fundamentals.
Become Part of the Building Community
Take the first step towards a rewarding journey in craftsmanship and leadership.