Photo Credit Sewing Jungle
Unicorn Pattern Kids Can Sew
Summer sewing camps for kids are quickly becoming more and more popular. They are fast paced, fun, AND educational. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your upcoming summer sewing camps.
Tip #1 – CHOOSE A THEME
Every summer sewing camp should have a theme! People like themes. Themes get people excited. Unicorns, travel, mermaid…whatever your theme is, embrace it! Get creative and design your camp entirely around your chosen theme to create excitement. For some popular and fun theme ideas and party/camp accessories, check out Oriental Trading Company.
Tip #2 – PROJECTS
When selecting projects for your summer sewists, there are two main things to keep in mind. First, skill level appropriate projects. You will want to select projects which are appropriate for your sewists skill level. There is nothing more frustrating for a sewist than trying to power through a project that is too difficult. Second, instructions. Many instructors underestimate the value of having illustrated instruction that are written for kids to read and understand in their camp. This will benefit you as an instructor and your sewists.
Tip #3 – TIME
Running out of time in your camp is an easy trap to fall into, and nearly every sewing teacher has done it at least once. Always plan for extra time. If your campers finish their project early, don’t worry. You can fill in free sewing, or another project.
Tip #4 – ORGANIZATION
Camps are fun, but they can be a lot of work! Organization is essential. During the camp, it is important to have a designated place for each sewist to keep their supplies. Baskets, bins, cubbies…whatever you chose is fine. Just make sure their name is clearly posted and remind them frequently to keep all their project supplies in their basket. I always tell my sewists that all of their project supplies are to stay in their basket if they are not currently working on it.
Tip #5 – COPYRIGHT RESPECT
This is a touchy subject but an important one, so pay attention. You don’t want to put your business in jeopardy, especially if you are doing it unknowingly. There are two main points that are often overlooked. As an instructor, it is your responsibility to make sure that you, your students, and your sewing school is compliant with federal copyright laws. First, every student must have their own purchased copy of the pattern/s they are going to be making unless the designer has given expressed permission otherwise. This includes PDFs, books, workbooks, single patterns, etc. Failure to do this is copyright infringement. Build the cost of the patterns into your camp. Second, is the use of already copyrighted or registered names and characters. As an instructor, if you choose to make and advertise projects, characters, or the likenesses thereof, it is always recommended that you seek permission from the owner of the copyright or licensed character. You don’t want to learn the hard way that you are infringing on copyright law.
I hope you find these tips helpful for your upcoming summer sewing camps. For more information or to purchase sewing camp patterns for kids, visit Kids Can Sew. We have some great themed camp patterns written specifically for kids. Come check us out!
Happy Camp Planning!
-Lyndee
