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York County 4-H Sewing Program Enriches Lives
| Name | Margie S. Sippel | | Situation | Each year the York County 4-H agent receives numerous telephone calls from parents in the county about the need for sewing classes for youth. The school system offers few opportunities for youth to learn sewing skills, and the parents feel this is a valuable skill for their young people. Studies have found sewing can increases a young person's creativity, self esteem, perseverance, and offers an opportunity for problem solving. | | Response | The York County 4-H Agent, members of a York County's Clemson Extension Family and Community Leaders Clubs (FCL), and volunteers from the community at large have been recruited to address this need. Two five- day camp sessions filled with workshops, activities, and field trips were held for youth ages 9 to 15 during the summer of 2004. On the field trips, youth were introduced to people that turned a sewing hobby into a business. In the fall, campers had the opportunity to join one of two 4-H sewing clubs that meet during the school year so they can continue to
learn new skills. In the summer of 2004, twenty-seven youth attended the day camps and twenty-four youth enrolled in the 2004-05 4-H clubs.
Community service and leadership are emphasized in the 4-H program.
During the summer camps of 2004, the youth created and sewed a
quilt square that was made into a quilt for Hospice House, and they
plan to make pillow cases at a club meeting in the spring of 2005
to be given to foster children. Four teens that have been in the 4-H
sewing program for several years worked this summer and fall as
teen leaders with the camps or clubs.
Several of the 4-H sewing volunteers are spouses of Duke Energy Retirees and found funding for the sewing project with a Duke Energy Retiree Volunteer Grant of $1,000. This is the third year that the program has received funding from this grant source. The grant enables us to service machines, provide quality materials, reward the youth's accomplishment, go on field trips, and offer scholarships to youth in need. | | Impact | The program has received favorable evaluations. After participating in this Extension Program, 100% of the youth participants indicated that they had increased their knowledge about sewing and can use a sewing machine. Twenty-five out of the twenty-seven youth that attended the summer day camps in 2004 modeled the garment that they created and sewed
in a fashion show for their parents and invited guests. The show was an exciting way for the youth to showcase what they had learned and to experience accomplishment in their work. The youth in the camps and clubs improved problem solving skills and math skills as they worked to make sure their garments fit their body measurements and perseverance as they worked to complete sewing projects. They experienced a multitude of choices in terms of color selection, fabric options, and design. An added impact was the positive intergenerational experiences for youth and adults volunteers as they work together on sewing projects and share
their excitement over a common interest. |
Last update7/9/2008
This website is maintained by Cheryl Clary.
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