What is Craft Nest?

Craft Nest is an exciting opportunity for high school students to explore crafting, sense of place, and personal narrative through woodcarving, journaling, and a survey of other crafts in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This workshop retreat for young crafters is for 9th-12th grade high school students.  Participants will dive deep into the techniques and materials of greenwood – or, “sloyd” – wood carving as they fashion wooden spoons from scratch. Additionally, participants will get an introduction to other crafts that may include blacksmithing, journal making, fabric arts, linocut, and more.

Participants can expect focused, dedicated sessions for crafting paired with fun on- and off-campus adventures, including waterfall hikes, delicious meals, reflective journaling activities, campfire songs, and games. This combination builds community, making it easier to learn new things together while building a cohort of supportive peers and mentors. Participants can expect to leave the weekend with a varied collection of projects, new skills, and a new crafting community.  

Crafters will be “nested” in one of our summer camp cabins with experienced staff residents for supervision and support. They will have access to much of our campus, garden,  trails, and open spaces. Students here for the fall semester of The Outdoor Academy will also join participants at meals and in shared spaces. Craft instructors include professional crafters and educators, including highly regarded Eagle’s Nest and Outdoor Academy teachers. (Instructor bios coming soon!)

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