 “I
was nice to my sister for three days and completed a quilt. I can
do anything!” one camper said, as she helped pack up after
Sleepy Heads West Quilt Camp, made possible by a grant from Washington
Mentors and the Bank of America in response to the declining passage
of sewing skills from one generation to another in a community that
still values the independence such knowledge allows.
The ability
to sew was traditionally encouraged in families and school settings,
and continues to be consistent with the needs and work of independent
rural families in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. However, sewing
is now primarily limited to the senior population, whose distance
from the younger generations of today often keeps these skills from
being shared.
Quilt Camp
West was designed to meet the needs of these isolated rural residents
in common projects that bring the two groups together to transfer
sewing skills through positive adult mentor-student youth team interactions.
Each 4-H quilter acts as a role model and resource for the teams
after completing training on adult and youth partnerships, youth
development, child protection, and sewing.
The camp is
filled with multi-generational teams that work together sewing a
quilt while strengthening their bonds of friendship via curriculum
from Sally Walter’s Sleepy Heads Quilt Camp in Benton-Franklin
counties, the 4-H Challenge program, and leadership projects.
Using the WSU life skill evaluation, team results showed that 90%
of the participants increased targeted life skills in:
- Participation
- Decision-making
- Listening
carefully
- Following
instructions
Verbal evaluation
showed:
- Increased
knowledge of and proficiency in quilting
- Increased
self-esteem from skill development and pride of accomplishment
- Positive
relationships with the participating adults
- Successful
camp participation due to fewer distractions than at home
- Learning
that “grandparents [have a lot] to share”
Youth interested
in sewing gained a hobby with lifetime benefits as well as a sense
of self-sufficiency. A few youth may have even found their lifelong
work. As one camper said, “I was too busy to be a picky eater.” |
