While youth today are very familiar with how to use computerized technology there has been a disconnect with motorized machinery.  The Small Engine Club offers Henry County youth the opportunity to get their hands dirty through practical skills of machinery maintenance.  

Youth meet at the county maintenance garage and learn the basic maintenance and repair of push mowers, riding lawn mowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, and chain saws.  They understand how to use the proper fuel for each piece of machinery and what happens to the motor if they do not.  They can change tires, learn how to add air, change spark plugs, and filters.  They learned how to use a grinder to sharpen blades on the lawn mowers.  How to use a file to sharpen a chain on a chainsaw. They also learned how to change blades and line on weed eaters.

In addition to learning basic parts and maintenance and repairs, youth were given safety instructions with each piece of machinery.  The importance of eye and ear protection.  For the finale of the small engine club leaders gave safety instructions when using push mowers and riding lawn mowers.  It was the first time that many of the participants had driven a riding mower and they were given a course to navigate to prove their new skills. These Henry County youth participants are ready to put their new skills to use this spring!