Boys & Girls Club members tinker to learn

'THINGAMAJIGS'- Colina Middle School Boys & Girls Club members get an up close and personal look at how things work when they visit the Haas Automation Laboratory at Cal State Northridge. The youngsters were invited to the university by the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation; their host was actor John Ratzenberger. Colina Boys & Girls Club members Chris Gonzalez, Bryan Oliva and Juan Lopez know a lot about cars, but a field trip invitation by the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation to Cal State Northridge's Haas Automation Laboratory on July 30 still provided some memorable lessons for the car enthusiasts and four other club members.

"I was surprised by how hard it is to turn a steering wheel!" said Chris Gonzalez about the racecar, which they explored under the supervision of their college student leaders. Together, they investigated a machine which turns metal into automobile parts, as well as internal components which release air and cool down a car's engine.

They also learned how to change a tire in four minutes. "I could probably change a flat tire on the freeway now," said Juan.

"It was so hands on," said Bryan.

Even though his requests to drive the racecar were denied, he was still keen to learn about other programs offered by the foundation, which is headquartered in Westlake Village.

Cofounder John Ratzenberger was on hand to talk to the members about different aspects of automobiles, including how gasoline is utilized by an engine.

Ratzenberger, the only actor to voice a character in every DisneyPixar film, is not content to entertain legions of young people; lately, he has also been on a crusade to encourage them to consider careers in manufacturing.

"Working with your hands is a dignified and proud occupation," said Ratzenberger.

"To point to something and say 'I made that' is what our children are missing out on," said cofounder Lindsay McGrail.

This summer their foundation has sponsored 20 manufacturing camps throughout 13 states, as well as "Tinkering Days," such as the one attended by Colina club members.

Its mission: to "once again introduce young people to the pleasures of tinkering (and) create the next generation of artisans, inventors, engineers, repairmen and skilled workers- in short, a selfsufficient, self-sustaining society."

At the conclusion of the field trip, participants were treated to lunch and given Haas hats and NBTF stickers.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo/ Las Virgenes are open before and after school and all day during school vacations and the summer.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, call (818) 880-8577 or visit www.bgcconejo.org.