Hello! My name is Lily Kate Harpham and I am a recent graduate from the College of Wooster, with a degree in History. My fellowship host site is Ohio Designer Craftsmen, where I will be helping coordinate the Young Master’s Summer Camp, an art program with sessions for kids entering grades 1 through 6, and grades 6 through 12. 

This week’s camp theme was “Home Sweet Home” where guest artists taught the kids to create dream homes made of popsicle sticks and hot glue and make compostable paper filled with native wildflower seeds that can be planted in their yards, as well as many other projects relating to the theme of the week. The camper’s creative impulses are fed with the encouragement and guidance of the patient artists and eager-to-help teen volunteers. It has been enlightening and encouraging to interact with such emotionally intelligent and creative kids. The campers are open with each other about their need for personal space, or quiet time, and are polite and inquisitive. They are open to new projects and eager to ask for help when they need it, and love to help each other when they are able! 

My role this first week has been mostly in coordination of the camp, helping ease transitions between activities, running snack time and lunch, prepping materials for upcoming lessons, and filling in to help any of the campers with their projects whenever needed. After a few days of shadowing and assisting the educational coordinator, I started to take on more responsibility myself. Beginning with the drop-off/check-in of campers in the morning, and encompassing each class transition, snack time, and pick-up, I have been very much enjoying the process. 

The projects that the campers are completing each day are exceptionally planned, each one relating to the theme of the week. My personal favorite project so far has been an embroidery craft. Each camper was tasked with drawing a design that they would then recreate on their embroidery fabric, attach to a piece of felt, and then tie tassels around the edges of the fabric to create a custom pillow! As someone who picked up embroidery as a hobby within the last few years, it has been really cool to see kids as young as 6 learning how to sew and embroider, and taking home their final product!

On the last day of camp, there is an art show where parents/guardians and invited guests can come and see all of the work that has been done throughout the week! The campers design their own invitations and name plaques for their displays, and answer questions about their work. It was so fun watching all the kids get excited about their hard work, and show off their favorite projects. 

I have already learned so much about multitasking, prioritization of needs, and program management, just from my few days in my role. I am enjoying myself very much, and am excited to see what I learn next!