Children's Arts and Crafts Program

by Diane McDermott

When the Yankee Lake Preservation Alliance and the Yankee Lake Association merged in 2000, one of our first priorities was to establish an Arts and Crafts Program similar to the one so many of us remembered from decades earlier. For several years, the Arts and Crafts classes were held on Sundays only, and were conducted by Paula and George Raiola, two dedicated YLPA members who not only purchased the crafts but also gave so much of their time and effort to helping the children enjoy their summer at Yankee Lake.

By the summer of 2003, the YLPA Board hired Allison Hand as Arts and Crafts Director. The Sunday program was so well-received we decided to expand it to include Wednesday mornings as well. In 2004, another enthusiastic young woman, Emily Hughes, directed the twice-weekly program.

In 2005, Emily Selvage became our new Director. During 2005 and 2006, on an average Sunday morning, there were between 40 and 60 children attending, along with many parents who came to help their younger children with the projects. These Sunday and Wednesday mornings became the highlight of the summer for many YLPA member families. Some crafts included painting a fish, making a dish by gluing on mosaic tiles, and using pipe cleaners, pompoms, sequins, etc. to make personal creatures. Emily also organized games and an outdoor hot dog roast during two very successful Teen Nights.

We planned new and exciting crafts projects for Summer 2008 and expanded the teen program as well. We were fortunate to have Nicole Beam for the 2008 season as our Director of Arts and Crafts. Miss Beam is enthusiastic, well organized, and a certified teacher. The attendance for the Wednesday morning craft sessions grew to an average of 15 youngsters each week. The Sunday morning attendance was at an all time high of 50 children enjoying making craft projects to proudly take home. Miss Beam also organized two Teen Nights and had them packed with great activities that were very well supervised. YLPA member families have enjoyed many happy hours sharing the fun with their children and grandchildren with this very popular and well-run Arts and Crafts Program. We are planning new and exciting craft projects for the 2009 summer and the possibility of expanding the Teen Program as well. We are delighted that Nicole Beam will return as our Arts and Craft Director again next summer!