Question: What does the class cover? In a nutshell, 4-stroke engine, disassembly and reassembly of a Briggs and Stratton push mower engine, geometry, physics, chemistry, tools, and a touch of diagnostics. How we cover all of this is the magic of camp!

Question: How long is the camp? Crankin Engines Camp is a 3-Day camp, 4-hours each day. Crankin Engines 2 is a 2-day camp, 4 hours each day, and is an optional add-on for any host.

Question: How can I find a camp near me? You'll find current and upcoming camps right here on this page. You can also check our Facebook page (linked on this page), or contact mandie@crankinengines.camp directly. If you don't see a camp near you, sign up to host! It's fun and easy, and we do all the heavy lifting. Literally. :-)

Question: What if we have an emergency or illness after we've paid for camp? No worries! Thanks for not spreading the illness. Feel free to apply that student fee to any of my other Crankin Engines camps in the next 12 months. If you have to reschedule, send me an email with the choice of which camp you'd like to attend (even if it's showing as full). AND, you can still take advantage of the free camp in the 12 months following the one your student attends.

Question: How should students dress? Close-toed shoes, long hair pulled back, modest clothing that can get greasy and does not have loose strings. No need to impress!

Question: What should students bring? Students can bring water and a snack if they'd like. All of the important stuff is supplied by us: safety equipment, gloves, tools, supplies, and the engines. IF you would like to buy the tool sets we use for class, they're $80 and great for students who want to continue this at home.

Question: What is Little Cranks? Like the name suggests, Little Cranks is the same small engine class, but for 5-10 year olds. It covers the same disassembly and reassembly, but without the focus on math, science, and diagnostics. We take it slower, and parents are required to be present and participate with their youngster.

Question: What if I have more questions? Just reach out! You can email me at mandie@crankinengines.camp, or call/text me: 336-701-2502

Question: What are the qualifications for students? For Crankin Engine Camp, students must be 11-19 years old (parents can stay and learn for free, or drop and run). For Little Cranks Camp they must be 5-10 years old, and an adult must be actively participating. Adult classes are for students 18+. Students must also be okay to work with others, and have the dexterity to use tools.

Question: What are some perks for attending this camp? Students can take this class any time again in the next calendar year for FREE. Parents can stay and learn for free. This class is also a pre-requisite for our high school level Auto Upkeep class, and that class is a pre-req for Applied Automotive.

Question: Can you come to my city/town/county/state? Sure! Since I might not have contacts in your county, I will be happy to help you draw the students in any way I can - Facebook, emails, or carrier pigeon. Word-of-mouth and personal requests are always best.

Question: What's everything a student needs to know all at once? Let's go over the basics for the students: Camp is all about using your hands and hand tools to take apart a Briggs and Stratton push mower engine. Mandie provides the engines, tools, and safety equipment. We talk about proper usage and class expectations first thing so everyone is on the same page. We have 2 eight-foot tables end to end, covered in tarps, and each student is assigned a partner and an engine. You'll work in tandem to follow instructions and carefully take apart the entire engine while Mandie guides each step, explaining and demonstrating the physics, mechanics, math, and biology. Yup, biology. There is no fuel in these engines. I keep the students guessing how they will crank... Students will stand for the entire day, about 4 hours, but no worries, we have 10 minute breaks at the top of the hour for water, snack, socialization, possibly sitting, and potty breaks. It prevents the glazed eyes from happening too early. :D Day 1 usually consists of taking most of the engine apart. Day 2 is finishing the disassembly and starting the reassembly. Day 3 is finishing the reassembly, and then doing a complete tear down and rebuild with a partner at their pace before camp ends! Last, the students try to crank the engines! No worries if they don't - these are sourced from a junkyard and may not, no matter how well they are reassembled. But usually they do! 1) Bring snacks and water. 2) Wear clothes okay to get greasy and long hair tied back. 3) Bring a good attitude and listening ears. 4) Expect to have fun! 5) Leave the electronics behind - they'll stay nicer that way. 6) Don't be surprised when you have a cool new skill at the end! Before you leave, grab your new Crankin Engines t-shirt! Mandie will email a Certificate of Completion that will look awesome on the wall - or in your school records - and if you're in any scouting you'll probably be qualified for a small engine badge or project for your record books if you're in 4-H! I assign two videos to watch for class after Day 1, but I'll include them here in case you have an eager student: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xflY5uS-nnw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toVfvRhWbj8 If you don't subscribe to Destin at Smarter Every Day, you're missing good stuff! For the parents: I really need a few parents to stay and help put hands on. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun learning alongside your student! Having the extra sets of eyes has really helped this year! Please share this with your students! 1) You are liable for your student. The worst accident we've had so far is a small finger cut, and I'd love to keep it that way forever. 2) A reminder about the refund policy: Once class meets minimum, the only refund possible is if I have an emergency and can't attend. If you have an emergency or illness, your student can always attend another of my camps within 12 months for free. AND, that's not in place of the one free camp offer that everyone gets within 12 months. So you pay for one and get two camps. But not two free t-shirts. Let's not be greedy. LOL 3) Please be sure to arrive about 5 minutes early, so we can settle and start class on time. I will, in turn, do my best to have everyone ready to leave right on time. 4) Remind your students to be gracious to the host and respectful of their property. I haven't had a problem yet and would love to keep it that way. 5) Photography: For my marketing, I try to steer away from taking photos that include anything but working hands. I will take a few short videos for my social reels to advertise camp. We may even pose for a class photo at the end if we remember! If you would like your student NOT to be photographed, please reply now and remind me the day camp starts. As a parent, feel free to take any photos you need. That's it! If you have additional questions, email me at mandie@crankinengines.camp. Let's get Crankin!