Northern Clay Center
Aaron
At some point in the summer most kids realize that it's rather boring simply to sit around all day with no real plans. Luckily, there's oodles of fun summer camps around St. Paul for kids of all ages and interests. Among these camps, one stands out: the Northern Clay Center's summer programs. Aimed at a more artistically-minded child, these camps run for one week and last three hours a day. The instructors are professional clay artists around age 25 — most of whom have a studio in the NCC during the rest of the year. They're talkative, talented and have a great way with kids. For some reason they are very adept at handling the noisy, annoying kids while not making it a bother for the rest of the class.
The teaching style is in the perfect summer camp manner: The teachers realize that kids are there simply to enjoy themselves, but they manage to teach a thing or two during the class. It's a wonderful balance of enjoyment and actual education. The class has another style I appreciate in a summer camp: freedom! I'm aware that that sound incredibly cheesy, but I couldn't think of another word. What I mean by freedom is that they'll teach you how to make a clay pot, and instead of watching you and tutoring you, they let you go to do whatever you'd like and are available if you need help.
Many different classes with different focuses are available throughout the summer. Some make dog bowls, some make plates, some (like the one I took) made clay totem pots, which are essentially totem poles made of clay. But don't worry, the classes aren't viciously dedicated to their themes. As long as you show some interest in the theme, you can make anything you'd like, be they mugs, plates, bowls or pots.
These classes are wonderful and a lot of fun. But the best part? Coming home at the end of the class with a bag full of awesome ceramics you made throughout the week!
For more information, check out the Northern Clay Center website here.
The teaching style is in the perfect summer camp manner: The teachers realize that kids are there simply to enjoy themselves, but they manage to teach a thing or two during the class. It's a wonderful balance of enjoyment and actual education. The class has another style I appreciate in a summer camp: freedom! I'm aware that that sound incredibly cheesy, but I couldn't think of another word. What I mean by freedom is that they'll teach you how to make a clay pot, and instead of watching you and tutoring you, they let you go to do whatever you'd like and are available if you need help.
Many different classes with different focuses are available throughout the summer. Some make dog bowls, some make plates, some (like the one I took) made clay totem pots, which are essentially totem poles made of clay. But don't worry, the classes aren't viciously dedicated to their themes. As long as you show some interest in the theme, you can make anything you'd like, be they mugs, plates, bowls or pots.
These classes are wonderful and a lot of fun. But the best part? Coming home at the end of the class with a bag full of awesome ceramics you made throughout the week!
For more information, check out the Northern Clay Center website here.