TOS Review: Corps of Re-Discovery

It seems like Addison always has some sort of craft project lying around the house somewhere. Just this evening, she had a set of knitting needles and a ball of yarn out while I was reading our history book. I'm not sure if she'll make another set of fingerless gloves or if it's a pair of socks this time.

When it comes to Brennan, however, I struggle with finding craft ideas that have enough boy appeal to encourage him to finish a project. Our review product from Corps of Re-Discovery was perfect for him.

He received a Fringe Pouch kit that retails for $11.99. It included the prepunched leather pieces, thread, laces, needle and instructions. I read over the instructions and then packed the project kit in our bags when we were leaving for a long car ride. Brennan did a good job of following the instructions on his own, with just a few hints from me along the way. Since he's never sewn before, I was quite impressed with the way the project turned out. Somewhere along the way, our fringed piece of leather got lost and Brennan chose to make his pouch without it instead of waiting until we could get home and search through his room to find the fringe.

I estimate that this project took Brennan a little more than an hour of concentrated effort. During that time, he not only learned to sew. He learned to follow directions, to work carefully, to persevere when something seemed difficult, and to be proud of a finished product. His pouch was one of the first things he showed to his grandparents when we finally arrived at our destination late that evening.

There are several other projects available from Corps of Re-Discovery that have inherent boy-appeal in my opinion. I know that Brennan would enjoy making the Possibles Bag ($24.50), the Coin Pouch ($4.99), and perhaps even the necklace kits that come with bear claws or deer antler tips (less than $5). Perhaps one or more of these kits will be under the tree for Christmas.

Corps of Re-Discovery also has some projects that my daughter is drooling over -- patchwork quilts, cornhusk dolls, etc.

My bottom line is that these projects are a great idea for any child. They get bonus points in my book for creating craft projects that appeal to the boys that often don't find interesting projects worth completing.

I received the Fringe Pouch kit as a member of the 2010 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, and I received no other compensation. In return, I agreed to give an honest review of the materials and how they worked for my homeschool family.