Washougal, Wash - Washougal High School (WHS) students come together every other week at the after-school craft club, a unique space where students share their passions and learn new skills. Community volunteers and school staff teach crafting skills like knitting, cross-stitching, crocheting, sketching and more to high school participants at each meeting. This January, volunteers with the East County Citizens Alliance (ECCA) facilitated knitting lessons for the teen craft club.
“I love knitting with a group of people, no matter what age,” said Annie Soutter, East County Citizens Alliance (ECCA) volunteer. Soutter mentored craft club members learning to knit this winter. “Getting to have teenagers in the group is not so common, and it just feels really special to have their unbridled energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. It’s really important to create these kinds of multi-generational groups.”
WHS School Counselor Lexie Groves and Associate Principal Mary Andreotti started the club earlier this school year. Each time the club meets, students engage in creative projects and build community. “[Craft club] has really become my favorite part of the month to plan. Getting to invest and spend time with our students while relaxing and creating new projects is both fun and rewarding,” said Groves.
“The mentors were really nice and understanding. They helped us walk through the steps and gave both positive and constructive feedback. The mentors could recognize when the project wasn’t going quite right and provide help,” said Riley, a WHS student and Craft Club participant. Evey, Washougal High School student and a member of the craft club, echoed the same sentiments.
Students take a leadership role by brainstorming topics for future months like creating slime and clay modeling. Students also promote the club to their peers, including managing the club’s social media channel. “We have really built a community, and continue to see new faces all the time,” said Groves.
“I love watching the students’ intense focus and determination when they are working really hard to learn something. And then, seeing that sparkle of accomplishment in their eyes when it all clicks - it’s just really special. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside every time,” said Soutter.
Crafting can bring people of all different ages, personalities, levels of experience, and perspectives into the room. The craft club at Washougal High School promotes intergenerational community building by creating opportunities for students to build strong relationships and a passion for learning alongside adult community volunteers.
“Craft club offers a variety of healthy coping skills through crafting to deal with the stress and challenges in teens’ lives. Beyond the crafts, this club also gives students a space to build healthy relationships with each other and staff,” said Groves.
Riley said her “favorite part is being in a safe and lively place... that students create.”
Volunteers help make great things happen in the craft club and across all Washougal schools. Community members interested in volunteering with the craft club should contact Lexie Groves at lexie.groves@washougalsd.org. For more information about volunteering in Washougal School District, visit the district volunteer page.