Working With Our Hands at Maine Camps

“Signs, signs, everywhere signs” is what we at Maine Camp Experience started singing when we saw these amazing signs Maine campers made in woodshop. You can’t believe the projects and the talent of the teaching staff and campers when you think about fine arts at Maine Camps. Many times, camp is the place that kids are getting to try making these projects and can often forges a lifelong interest in creating. From basketry and blacksmithing to fabric arts and woodworking, here are some highlights of incredible crafts at MCE Camps:

Woodworking - At woodshops at Maine Camps, campers can learn to make signs, bird houses, paddles, tables, chests, chairs, and more. Campers don their safety googles and get to work with their hands to build something incredible. One Maine Camp shares, “if your camper can imagine it made out of wood, our staff can make it happen!”

Fabric Arts - Textiles, fashion design, costuming, sewing – these are all different terms and aspects of Maine Camps’ fabric arts programs. Hand and machine sewing, knitting, and other fabric construction techniques are taught so campers can make costumes, clothing, pillows, puppets, and more out of felt, yarn, cotton, silk, wool, and other fabrics.

Metalsmithing – from basic to more advanced projects, in metal and silver studios campers learn jewelry making, soldering, setting stones, and more. They mix metals and create bracelets, rings, necklace pendants, earrings, and belt buckles. Campers proudly wear their pieces at camp and for many years beyond.

Ceramics – in hand building classes, and with throwing and kick wheels, campers can create incredible pottery. Plates, mugs, bowls, animals, vases, and more – campers and clay go hand in hand to make magic! Campers glaze their projects before the creations are fired up in the kiln and then they have lasting souvenirs. 

Blacksmithing is an ancient trade and a current creative art offering at Maine Camps. Campers work with hammer and anvil, fire and tongs, and steel to create. It’s good for hand-eye coordination and helps develop campers’ eye for design.

Basketry – Basketry or basket weaving is often new to campers who enjoy creating beautiful custom baskets. Campers learn weaving techniques and get to create unique patterns using natural materials and colorful fibers.

Beading, candle making, drawing, painting, soap making, stained glass, stone carving, leatherworking, and even duct tape – there’s no end to all the projects campers can make and enjoy using their creativity, hands, and a variety of materials. Dresses, shoes, wallets, hats, masks, belts, blankets, bags, dream catchers, chairs, signs, and more!

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.  

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.