Sew up plans to take kids to a handwork camp

When my daughter was in third grade, another parent had the idea to teach kids how to knit as an after-class, in-school activity.

Since this parent's child was a boy, he convinced some of the guys to join in and the class was a good balance of girls and boys.

All the kids loved learning how to make something wearable from a bit of yarn and a couple of knitting needles. They were proud of their tangible accomplishment, learned how to focus and relaxed while knitting, chatting, laughing and learning more about their classmates.

It was a perfect scenario, a pleasant surprise and, compared to a lot of other things kids can be picking up, knitting implements, yarn and thread look pretty good.

Most people learn handwork from their parents or grandparents, but my kids are out of luck -- I can barely darn a sock adequately. What if children could learn this lifelong skill during a vacation to a gorgeous locale?

The Handwork Camp & Family Vacation, July 12-19 at the Sunscape Puerto Aventuras Resort in the Riviera Maya Mexico, will no doubt inspire family memories as well as one-of-a-kind handmade keepsakes. Sponsored by The Handwork Studio of Narberth, Pa., and the family vacation Web site Vacationkids.com (www.vacationkids.com), the all-inclusive family vacation features a special Handwork Camp for children ages 5-14 where they learn needle art skills.

Before you say, "that's nice, so what?" consider this.

"Kids experience a great sense of pride and accomplishment when doing needle arts and machine sewing. It's a real confidence builder and a great outlet other than sports if you have a child who is not interested in sports," explains Laura Kelly, founder of The Handwork Studio (www.thehandworkstudio.com).

"In this fast-paced, immediate-gratification, fast-technology world that our kids are being raised in, needle arts help to teach patience and commitment to a project. The kids always want a project that can be finished in a day, but over time they begin to learn it is a process," Kelly says.

In addition, needle arts might connect kids to other cultures as well as to previous generations. Reading about the Mayans or Amish is fine, but to embroider Mayan symbols or create a quilt in the Amish fashion is a multi-sensory learning experience.

Kelly says that kids as young as 5 can start knitting and 8-year-olds can begin to use a sewing machine. And, if children begin before the age of 10, there's a greater likelihood of them carrying the craft into their adult years.

Handwork might offer benefits beyond learning a craft, too.

"Elementary school teachers have told us they've used needle arts to help the very 'hyper' students settle down and concentrate, improve their academic skills and, ultimately, their grades," explains Sherry Mulne, a consultant for The National Needlearts Association, or TNNA.

"Although we don't have actual statistics on how needle arts help young people, we have tons of anecdotal accounts. The needle art appears to help them focus, build self esteem, connect with history, learn to appreciate and work with others, as well as give back to their communities," she says.

Mulne notes that teachers have observed a wonderful socialization that occurs as both boys and girls interact and communicate while they stitch. TNNA also has its hands in the Needle Arts Mentoring Program, or NAMP, which provides support for establishing needle arts programs for youths in kindergarten through high school.

If your interest is piqued, go to www.needleartsmentoring.org.

Camp projects during the Handwork Camp & Family Vacation will reflect the culture and folk art of Mexico and are suitable for boys and girls. Classes are scheduled between plenty of family together time as well as a meet and greet reception, parent/child craft hour and fashion show finale.

The Sunscape Puerto Aventuras Resort is a five-star property that's compact and very easy to navigate, stroller friendly and has walkout access to the beach. Try water aerobics, shuffleboard, table tennis, volleyball, dance lessons or take a bike ride. Indulge in a spa treatment or take a five-minute walk to a nine-hole, par-36 championship golf course. There are four bars, five restaurants and nightly themed entertainment.

According to Sally Black of VacationKids.com, the Sunscape Puerto Aventuras Resort has one of the best beaches for kids in the entire Riviera Maya, too. Land-only prices for the Handwork Camp & Family Vacation begin at $960 per adult and $680 per child (including camp fees). Pricing includes round-trip transportation from the Cancun airport, seven nights' all-inclusive accommodations, hotel entertainment, nonmotorized water sports, kids club and more than 20 hours of age-appropriate needle arts instruction and craft supplies for children.

Sew up reservations at www.vacationkids.com or call (610) 681-7360.