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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County students looking for something to do this summer have a unique opportunity in the return of the Chilton County Extension Office’s annual Beginner 4-H Sewing Camp.

This year’s camp will be held on July 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Extension agent Gay West said the two-day camp is open to 4-H students ages 9-13.

“We will teach them the parts of the machine and how it works,” West said.

Projects are pre-cut so students get to focus on learning to sew a straight line and sewing basics. Campers also learn about sewing safety and tools needed.

Cost to participate is $20 and includes sewing instruction book, equipment and sewing kits.

Students can sign up for 4-H and register for the camp by calling the office at 205-280-6268. Deadline to register is July 12.

“Generally, children, boys and girls, like to use the machine,” West said. “They like sewing and completing something before they leave.”

She said the camp follows the 4-H motto of “learn by doing.”

Registration is only open to 4-H students who have never been a part of the sewing camp at the Chilton County Extension Office.

Most of the sewing machines used during the camp are specifically designed to be used by children.

West said she likes that the campers will learn these skills, especially in a time when so many people no longer know how to sew. She said if there is time after learning the machine, campers are taught a bit about hand sewing by learning to sew on a button.

Some campers go on to do more of the project s in the book provided on their own and have given West some good feedback.

For those who want to continue learning about sewing, 4-H hosts additional classes in the fall.

The Chilton County Extension Office is located at 504 First Ave. in Clanton.