Kawartha Potters Guild offers summer clay camp
For the eighth year, the Kawartha Potters Guild will be holding its Clay and Crafts Summer Day Camp at 993 Talwood Dr. This year, there will be special protocols and safety measures in place in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Finding safe ways for children to play, socialize and create is even more important for their emotional and physical health during these challenging times,” says Carolyn Cisco, organizer. “We at the Kawartha Potters Guild are working hard to offer just this kind of opportunity. This is one of the few camps able to run and we look forward to giving children a much-needed way to express themselves, interact in a small group, while keeping a two metre distance, and enjoy outdoor time.”
Involved in organizing the camp for many years, Cisco has completely reorganized the studio to enable the campers to be separate from any other individuals on the premises. Each camper will have their own table, tools and supplies, spaced at least two metres apart. The tall ceilings in the area provide excellent air flow.
They will also have access to a large green space surrounding the building for outdoor distance games and activities. Campers are asked to bring their own water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, hat and blanket. They will eat their food at their own table.
There will be frequent cleaning and no shared supplies, while adhering to Peterborough Public Health guidelines.
“Campers will learn handbuilding techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil while working on clay projects, and find out about modern methods of glazing and firing,” continues Cisco. “They will create finished pottery that they can take home, such as bowls, trays, cups, mugs, creatures and decorative pieces. Camp days will be filled with a variety of art and craft activities.”
The day camp is for children aged seven to12 years old, with a special week for teens. There will be a maximum of six campers per week, at a ratio of three campers to one counsellor. The cost is $280 per week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in weeklong increments July 13 to 17, July 20 to 24, Aug. 10 to14, and Aug. 17 to 21. The Teen Hand-Building Week, including wheel demos, takes place from Aug. 4 to 7, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $245. Before and after camp care is available for a reasonable fee. Please contact administrator@kawarthapottersguild.com for more details.
PPE is part of the KPG emergency first aid kit should close contact be required. Non-contact, outdoor check-in and pickup procedures will be explained prior to the camp start date.
Campers may be eligible for financial assistance under the City of Peterborough’s recreation fee subsidy program. Information and a form are available from the city, peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/ recreation-fee-subsidy.aspx, or via phone 705-742-7777 ext. 1827.
The pottery shop is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with two people at a time inside, or you can email administrator@kawarthapottersguild for an appointment. More information is available at kawarthapottersguild.com/.
Peterborough Tool Library
The Peterborough Tool Library has now reopened with hours on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for members to pick up and drop off their tools. Optimal safety practices are in place with disinfection, physical distancing, curbside pickup, and more. Members can reserve their tools in advance online at ptbotoollibrary.ca/covid-19.
The library has a range of tools and equipment available for borrowing, including chisels, sanders, drills, air compressors, saws, shop vacs and more. A regular membership is $60 per year, with other options available. For more information, please visit https://www.ptbotoollibrary.ca/.