Scrap Wood Challenge
Woodworking for Warriors is launching its first (potentially annual) Scrap Wood Challenge, a friendly team competition that turns leftover materials into something valuable for the organization. The challenge begins immediately and will run through June 30, 2026, with judging taking place on July 1, 2026.
Members will form teams of three to four people and work together to design and build products using scrap wood. The purpose of the challenge is to work together in a new and different way, to make productive use of wood that might otherwise be discarded, and to generate high quality products that Woodworking for Warriors can sell at craft fairs and other events to support the organization.
During the challenge period, teams will build items from scrap wood found in the shop or from their own scrap materials. The emphasis is on creativity, craftsmanship, and teamwork. Participants are encouraged to think about what kinds of items customers are likely to buy and to focus on producing attractive, useful products.
Teams will leave completed items on the racks in the Hand Tool Shop. All completed items will be available for sale at craft fairs and other Woodworking for Warriors events. Participants will vote to determine which team created the greatest overall value for the organization. (Note: We will keep pictures of any items we sell before the competition completes so they are considered in the final voting.)
In making this decision, voters will consider the number of items produced, the quality of the work, and how interesting, appealing, and saleable the products are likely to be.
The winning team will receive a small prize in recognition of their effort and creativity. Each member of the winning team will receive a $25 gift certificate (maximum four team members).
The Scrap Wood Challenge is intended to be fun, creative, and collaborative while supporting the mission of Woodworking for Warriors. By turning scrap wood into meaningful products, participants help generate funds for the organization while demonstrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Woodworking for Warriors community.
Challenge Rules
Teams must consist of three to four members.
All items must be made primarily from scrap wood sourced from the Woodworking for Warriors shop or from members’ own scrap materials. Note: There are black bins in the shop full of scraps, including many exotic woods, that have been donated and are available for use.
Participants may build their items either at the Woodworking for Warriors shop or in their own home shops.
All completed items must be donated to Woodworking for Warriors to be sold at craft fairs or other fundraising events.
