Finding the right summer camp for your child can feel overwhelming with so many great options available across Santa Barbara. That’s why Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Summer Camp Guide brings local families a curated look at the programs that make summer both fun and enriching.
To help parents get to know these camps beyond the basics, we connected directly with the people behind the programs. Through these Q&A-style spotlights, camp leaders share insights into their activities, values, and what makes their camps such a memorable experience for kids.
In this feature, we spoke with Grant House, owner of Grant House Sewing Center to learn more about what families can expect from their camp this summer and how their program creates opportunities for kids to learn, explore, and make lasting memories.
Grant House Sewing Center
Question: What is the name of your camp or program, and what is its primary focus?
Answer: Our Summer Sewing Camps for kids and teens are so much fun. By participating in the program, everyone learns essential sewing skills. You become comfortable using sewing machines, irons, and sewing tools while making beautiful, silly, and curious things yourself.
Our first goal is that special sense of accomplishment you will feel when your projects come to life
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: Our very first sewing camp was in 1984. Back then, the classroom was upstairs in the old two story hours on the corner of Haley and Chapala Streets.
We got so tired carrying the sewing machines up and down the stairs. But it was worth it.
Now, two or three generations later, hundreds of young people have gone through the program. Now their kids and grandkids are participating. How cool is that!
Our coordinator, Anzhela Martynava, earned her degree in Teaching and Child Psychology at Belarussian State University. She was vetted by Oxnard Elementary School District where she taught dance and sewing.
In that role, she completed certifications to address the issues of school bullying, sexual misconduct, and teen suicide prevention.
Anzhela has been deepening our popular after school and home schoolers’ Fashion Clubs for kids and teens since coming on board over a year ago. Prior to fulfilling her dream of teaching sewing to kids and adults, Anzhela had a long career as a professional ballerina. While she is working with the students, you can feel her dancing with their creativity.
Q: What specific goals or objectives will participants be working towards during their time at the camp?
A: The summer program and our after-school program are tailored to meet the needs and interests of each of those who participate. Everyone learns how to use a sewing machine responsibly. We learn how to measure and cut fabric, how to take an idea, render it as a sketch and generate a real project.
In the summer program and the Fashion Clubs, the emphasis is on things like creating patterns, learning about the importance of sewing order, pivoting from mistakes with grace, enjoying the learning process and exploring the fun creating things together with others.
At the end of the day, being in an environment where you free to explore and, all the while, know you are backed up by someone with expertise and skills that they are eager to share with you.
Q: Can you describe the educational components integrated into your program?
A: Each and every one of us has creativity in side us. We can be proud of making something ourselves. It is like a magic wand. If you put yourself into it, you will have success. And, sewing is a beautiful experience where you can learn what success really is. You may, also, find a friend here. You may make a beautiful garment. You will certainly learn valuable skills. Everyone learns something that is just right for them.
The daily activities are fun, but intentional and guided by creating a foundation upon which one can take the next step to mastery. Our motto (and website) is Have Fun Sewing! The curriculum is fun and it has variety that makes returning for as many sessions as you can fit in your schedule. But, the work is designed to teach skills that are not usually available in the typical summer camp environment.
We do not dumb the curriculum down for kids and teens. On the contrary, we challenge them with professionals sewing-related techniques and procedures that will last a lifetime.
Q: What is the daily schedule like, including activities, meals, and rest periods?
A: Kids ages 8-12 meet daily from 9-Noon. Teens arrive at 12:30 and complete each day at 3:30. We take a break midway throughout each session. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack. Each participant is assigned a sewing machine they use for the entire week. They choose projects and are shown how to do each step with group and individual assistance.
Often, they meet around the cutting table or ironing station for instruction and to prepare the fabric for assembly. There is laughter and a quiet banter as they interact and focus on each step of their project. Sometimes everyone is so into their sewing, cutting, or pressing, they room falls quiet and all you hear is the soft sound of the sewing machines whirring.
As their skills develop, they may find themselves helping others just getting started. The spirit is positive and full of appreciation. First time sewers feel safe and are supported when there are challenges. A joyful learning environment where friendships are likely to form and everyone can flourish.
It is magical!
Q: What is the typical age range of campers who attend your programs?
A: The kids program (8-12) and the teens program meet separately. Anzhela is careful to tailor her approach to meed each one of the participant’s “where they are”. It is a warm and supportive approach.
Interestingly, we are creating an adult version that we call Fashion Club for Adults. There is a kid in each of us, just wanting to come out and play – no matter our age!
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: Our camps are 3 hours daily for 5 days. Students who continue or who want to return are strongly encouraged to do so. Each time you come back, you will be taken to a higher level of competence and confidence. Sign up online as early as you can since the classes are small and times flies when you are having this much fun!
Q: What are your policies regarding staff background checks, training, and the child-to-staff ratio? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of campers?
A: The coordinator of the kids and teens summer sewing camps program was teaching in a public after school progrma prior to coming to Grant House Sewing Center. She came highly recommended and has been well received by the kids and their parents.
Her expertise includes training in classroom management and emergency response. She is CPR certified and, as you will see as you get to know her, highly responsible for the well-being our all our students.
Q: What is the cost of attending your camp, and do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
A: Summer Sewing Camps for Kids and Teens! is $250 per person for 5 days of training. Repeat participation is encouraged but the program enrolls on a first come, first servce basis. You may sign up online at HaveFunSewing.com.
Payment is due in advance either online of in person at Grant House Sewing Center, 336 E. Cota Street, Santa Barbara.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your program that was not already mentioned above?
A: Our summer sewing camps are not just about becoming a better sewer. They help foster friendship, generosity, and kindness – both to others and to one’s self.
Acceptance, Growth, and Accomplishment!
We look forward to seeing your enrollment in one of more of our fun sewing camps. And, we hope you would consider continuing with us in our after-school Fashion Clubs later this year. Getting to know each participant and their family is our greatest joy.
As always, we sign off by saying ‘”Have Fun Sewing!”
Click here to learn more about Grant House Sewing Center!