good for you Chris!! i remember asking my parents for a telescope and they told me NO! i was bitter. they did buy me a microscope and a chemistry set..apparently it was a safety issue.
anyways..anything like this in your neighborhood?
Telescope Makers Workshop | Chabot Space & Science Center | East Bay Area - Oakland CA
one of my coworkers did this and built one!! i have always seen the groups..(archery club is at the same place), and it looks like a blast! i plan on doing it oneday.