Molding Something New
We often talk about the activities at camp that are high energy, non-stop action, and edge-of-your-seat exciting – but what about the times when campers just want to relax and be creative? Camp has plenty of artistic activities available, such as pottery, woodworking, arts & crafts, and theater. Today we’ll get a glimpse into the world of pottery, where boys can feel welcome to give art a try, and shape whatever they imagine. Whether campers are experienced artists or just trying something new, our counselors are ready to teach to all levels.
In pottery, Sunny’s lesson plan for the first week of camp had everyone learning and practicing three basic methods. The first method was the slab roll technique, which they used to make name tags. The second was the pinch pot method, which they used to make pinch pot monsters. The final method for the week was coil building, which they used to make coil mugs.
Henry was currently working on a mug for his older brother Charlie, who didn’t take pottery as one of his 6 activities. “We only have disc golf together, but I wanted to make him something,” Henry said. He used the coil method to build up the mug and the slab roll method to cut out a “C” for his brother’s name. He had been using his time in pottery generously, and already made things for his parents too.
Duncan was also making a gift in pottery, but his was for his counselor Shawn. “I like pottery because it’s really calm and relaxing,” Duncan said. He was signed up for three of his six activity times in pottery, and was really focused on improving his skills there this session. “I don’t really do art like this at home,” he said. “Sometimes my mom and I will color though.” He was looking forward to using this love of coloring on glazing day, when he could make his clay creations turn all kinds of colors. Duncan likes having the option to do both active and creative activities at camp.
Another camper, Andrew, had only active activities on his schedule since he didn’t consider himself an artist. However, he was planning on switching two activities to try out something more creative: woodworking and pottery. Even though he was one of the oldest campers in Betula Line, he was curious about trying something a little outside his comfort zone. “It sounds fun. I think it would be cool to make something that you can have forever and take home with you,” he said. I asked Andrew if he ever did art at home. “No,” he said, “but camp makes me want to try it.”
A decade ago, counselor John Nowicki had the same idea. He was a new camper who had never tried pottery before, and signed up for the activity in his first summer. “I had never been good at art,” John said, “but this was a new and different medium, and I liked working with my hands.” John kept at it during his summers as a camper, encouraged by the knowledge and patience of the pottery counselor at the time, Stephanie. He eventually worked his way up the full progression system, reaching the highest level of Warrior. Now John is back for his first year as a counselor, ready to share the joy of pottery with other campers who “just want to try it.”
At camp, we strive to create an environment where boys (and staff) of all ages feel supported to try new things for the first time. Trial and error is a great way to learn about yourself, and boys at camp are very much like the clay they work with - through love, skill, practice, and effort, they become molded into something uniquely beautiful. Here we feel fortunate to be part of the journey these boys are on, shaping, smoothing, and molding into the versions of themselves they were meant to be.
More creative & artistic activities at camp are pictured below!