Handwork

Handwork & Crafts

There is a rich tradition of handwork at camp: knitting, crochet, needlepoint, beading, whittling, etc., as well as various crafts of all kinds including drawing, painting, origami, papier mâché, screen printing, and more.

Keeping the hands busy while the mind is engaged is a time-honored method of staying focussed, so handwork is especially popular during our two morning lectures each day as well as during free time sitting together with friends. Crafts, on the other hand, are regularly offered as evening activities, on rainy days when the waterfront is closed, and during childcare.

2011

"The 7-Headed Dragon of Revelation Pinata"

Emily Woofenden (top left) and her religion class (Brendan Crowe, top right) created this awesome 7-headed dragon piñata as part of their study of the Book of Revelation. Then, one afternoon, everyone gathered in the Dining Hall for a "Slaying the Dragon!" party! All the Sparks took turn with the whiffle bat while being loudly cheered on by the entire room. An amazing creation and an amazing event!

"Sparks Shirts"

Under the direction of Kristina Madjerac, the Sparks got to make their very own shirts during childcare.

"C3's Coathanger Creations"

C3 (Colgate Searle III) made a big splash with his wonderful coat hanger creations. He donated the frog and glasses at the top to the FNCA Sales Table Auction.

"Jason's Origami Class"

Jason Woofenden (in blue shirt) taught a full-table of eager paper folders a variety of creations one evening.

2010

"Karla Quilting"

"Monster Fingers!"

"Handcrafts in Childcare"

Three Sparks are thoroughly engrossed in their art in the childcare program during lectures.

2009

"Busy During Lecture"

George & Lois Dole are often found sitting together doing handwork during lectures.

"Crochet Pro"
© Kristina Madjerac 2009

Kristina Madjerac just learned a year ago, but this year she was crocheting like a pro.

2008

"Lessons"
© Beki Greenwood 2008

Emily Woofenden shows Kristina Madjerac some knitting tips.

"Clay Sculpting"

"Slouch Couch"

Emily Woofenden and Beki Greenwood getting down with their yarn.

When Nancy Little crocheted these owls inn 2008, several other "knit-wits" were anxious to learn how to make them, too.

"A Man's Job"

"Cousins"

Heidi Woofenden, Emily Woofenden, and Myrrh Brooks, cousins all, obviously concentrating on their handwork in front of the fireplace in the Main Building.

1998

"FNCA Polar Bears"

© Nancy F. Little 1998
Louise Dole "Mom Woof" Woofenden created these FNCA Polar Bears in honor of the FNCA Polar Bear Club. They sold out quickly on the Sales Table, however we recently found the original pattern below. Shown above down at Polar Bear Swim one morning in 1998 are two unique FNCA Polar Bears which Mom Woof made in a slightly bigger size than the rest. They are carefully marked on their tags: "FNCA PAPA POLAR BEAR" and "FNCA MAMA POLAR BEAR".

Mom Woof's original pattern is very, very close to original size. Cut two pieces out of white fluffy material (with extra around the edges for the seam). Stitch the eyes, nose, and mouth on one with black thread. Outline the pattern below on the back of one piece, and following the line, sew the two pieces together back to back nearly all the way around leaving a gap at the tag. Stuff well. Insert the hand-lettered tag into the opening and carefully sew up the rest of the way. Voilà: FNCA Polar Bear plush toy!

1973

"Crafting in the Kitchen"

Cindy Leese crafting in the kitchen between meals.

1972
"Knitting on a Bench"

Louise Dole Woofenden knits on a bench at the top of the hill on the front lawn while her son Lee Woofenden looks on.

1949
"Crafting in a Canoe"

Carolyn Judson does handwork on the river while George Dole paddles behind her.

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