Boys Town Louisiana Children Build Kayak and Self-Confidence

Boys Town Louisiana youth Michael and Craig do their part in building the kayak. Family-Teachers Herman and Yvonne Clayton used the project to teach the boys in their home how hard work and perserverance helps you succeed in life.

Michael came to Boys Town Louisiana full of anxiety and uncertainty. But that all changed with the building of a single kayak.

In the home of his Family-Teachers Herman and Yvonne Clayton, Michael and other boys have the opportunity to put their skills and creativity to use through different construction projects. These hands-on projects build trust, positive relationships and confidence in the youth.

“When you work with the children in that productive environment, it’s a coming around point for them,” said Herman Clayton, a Boys Town Louisiana Family-Teacher for 12 years. “They feel safe and are able to do things that interest them, like construction projects.”

The idea to build the kayak evolved at the dinner table and after much research, work began. Over the next two to three weeks, the boys in the Clayton home used basic hand tools to create the kayak. Though a few joked the kayak would make a better submarine, they collaborated their skills to complete a 13 foot by 2 foot plywood and fiberglass kayak.

Michael spearheaded the construction and any free time he had was spent out in the shed. Clayton often joined him and used the time to talk about many different subjects as Michael learned that through hard work, he could be successful. He certainly proved this and built his self-confidence when the kayak didn’t sink!

“This project really showed that if you have an interest in something and really work hard on it, you can achieve whatever it is you put your mind to,” said Clayton. “Our boys are truly using their Boys Town experience to enhance themselves spiritually, mentally and physically.”