Sycamore Sewing Camp Empowers Youth with Creative Skills

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The Sycamore Youth Center just wrapped up its Summer Sewing Camp, and honestly, it was a hit. From July 7 to July 11, local kids dove into sewing—learning how to use machines and pick up some hand-stitching basics.

Even better, the camp didn’t cost a thing. Each kid got to make their own skirts, shoulder bags, and pillows. There’s something pretty cool about watching kids combine creativity with useful skills.

The Sycamore Youth Center: A Hub for Creative Learning

The Sycamore Youth Center in Steubenville, Ohio, is known for its free programs that help kids grow in all kinds of ways. You’ll find it at 301 N. Fourth St., and it’s become a real anchor for youth and families around here.

Summer Sewing Camp Overview

The Summer Sewing Camp ran for a week, and it was all about teaching the basics. Marianne DuBois led the way, showing campers how to thread and use sewing machines. She also taught them some simple hand-stitching.

Kids didn’t just learn—they had fun, too. The camp mixed skill-building with creativity, and that made the whole thing feel more like play than work.

Meet the Camp Participants

The camp drew in a lively group of local kids. Here’s who joined in:

  • Grace Kelly
  • Eleanor Matenaer
  • Magdalene Plato
  • Emmy Graham
  • Maddie-Jo Kelly
  • Brigid Matenaer
  • Cana Frank
  • Leo Kelly
  • Grace Clum
  • Rebecca Wherry
  • Clare Wherry
  • Marianne DuBois
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Everyone was excited to pick up new skills. Leo Kelly, the only boy in the group, made an Ohio State-themed pillow that got a lot of attention.

Instructor and Assistant Instructors

Marianne DuBois brought real sewing know-how to the camp. She had help from Grace Clum, Rebecca Wherry, and Clare Wherry.

They all worked together to guide the kids, step by step. That team effort made the experience smoother for everyone.

Projects and Skills Learned

During the week, campers tackled projects like:

  • Skirts
  • Shoulder bags
  • Pillows

Each project taught them a mix of machine and hand sewing. By the end, every kid had something they made themselves—something to wear or use at home.

Showcasing Their Creations

The last day was all about showing off. The girls modeled their handmade skirts and matching bags, and Leo proudly displayed his Ohio State pillow.

You could feel the excitement in the room. There’s just something about seeing kids light up when they finish something with their own hands.

The Impact of the Sewing Camp

Bobbyjon Bauman, the center’s executive director, noticed how much the kids loved making their own clothes and pillows. “Seeing their excitement as they showed off their finished work was truly inspiring,” he said.

The camp didn’t just teach sewing—it gave the kids a real confidence boost. And maybe even sparked some new creative energy.

Future Opportunities

The Sycamore Youth Center still has plenty of free programs coming up. If you’ve got a kid who’d love this stuff, check out the Sycamore Summer Fun Camp from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., August 4-8.

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Registration’s free and easy at sycamorecenter.com. Why not give it a shot?

Conclusion

The Sycamore Youth Center’s Summer Sewing Camp gave local youth a chance to learn real skills and get creative. You could see the impact in the way kids beamed with pride when they showed off their work.

Programs like this keep the Sycamore Youth Center at the heart of the community. They’re always finding new ways to help young people grow, both personally and creatively.

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