STUDENTS SHOW OFF CAT PILLOWS — Children and teenagers who have an interest in learning about the skills of sewing were able to participate in a special sewing camp being offered at the Sycamore Youth Center. The annual event took place last week, giving participants an opportunity to learn about hand-stitch patterns and sewing buttons. This year’s camp allowed for students to create a cat pillow. Among those taking the course were, from left, front, Evelyn Miller, Cecelia Coakley, Avila Coakley, Miriam Zaleski and Kateri Roderique; and back, Madison Jimenez, Jubilee Jimenez, instructor Marianne DuBois, Cora Groman, Aurora Groman and Asher Groman. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center was buzzing with creativity and excitement during its recent Sycamore Sewing Camp, which is offered annually to children between the ages of 8 and 18.

The program, which ran from Jan. 20 through Friday, had a total of 15 young participants, all of whom showed an interest in learning various skills regarding the lost art form, including hand stitching.

Campers were able to put their newfound knowledge to use, with each participant crafting their own stuffed cat pillow.

Led by instructor Marianne DuBois, the camp provided a unique opportunity for children and teenagers to develop practical sewing skills within a fun, hands-on environment.

Throughout the course of the camp, which was provided free of charge by the Sycamore center, those interested in developing additional home economic skills, explored a variety of hand-stitch patterns.

The group also learned how to sew a button onto an item, which for this class was done for the purpose of creating expressive eyes on their cat pillows.

“This camp is a wonderful way for these young students to gain valuable skills while expressing their creativity,” DuBois stated. “It’s been a joy to see their enthusiasm and how much they have learned in such a short period of time.”

During last year’s sewing camp, taught by DuBois, the students made their own apparel, including a skirt.

The children were so proud of their accomplishment that they wore the article of clothing to church the following Sunday, officials recalled.

Each student in this year’s sewing camp noted their pride in making the pillow.

Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman commented on being able to provide such a class to the children residing in Steubenville, noting the skill of sewing is something they will be able to carry with them throughout their lives.

“It is such a blessing to see the students learn a new life skill that will benefit them for years to come here at Sycamore. The students loved the camp and Marianne did an outstanding job again in leading it.”

The camp not only offered technical instruction, but fostered a sense of teamwork and accomplishment, according to Bauman.

DuBois expressed her thoughts on the campers performance for the week.

“The young participants worked verydiligently,” she said. “By the final session, they were preparing to stuff their pillows with batting and having completed their personalized creations.”

The Sycamore Sewing Camp is part of the Sycamore Youth Center’s ongoing efforts to provide enriching and educational programs for local children and teenagers within the Steubenville Cit School District.

“These initiatives not only teach practical skills, but build confidence in students and inspire in them a lifelong love for learning,” Bauman concluded.

For information on upcoming programs at the center, along with a list of classes being offered for the spring semester, visit the center’s website at sycamorecenter.com.