SYCAMORE CENTER’S SUCCESSFUL SEWING CAMP — The Sycamore Youth Center held its Summer Sewing Camp July 7 through Friday. Area youth participated in the program, which offered an opportunity to make skirts, shoulder bags or pillows. Those who signed up for the camp included, from left, front, Grace Kelly, Eleanor Matenaer, Magdalene Plato, Emmy Graham, Maddie-Jo Kelly, Brigid Matenaer, Cana Frank and and Leo Kelly; and back, Grace Clum, Rebecca Wherry, Clare Wherry and Marianne DuBois. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The hum of sewing machines filled the Sycamore Youth Center last week, as children from throughout the Ohio Valley participated in the nonprofit organization’s Summer Sewing Camp.

Those taking part in the camp expressed their excitement for the opportunity to create items under the instruction of Marianne DuBois, who taught each camper valuable skills, such as how to thread and operate a sewing machine and basic hand-stitching techniques.

The week-long camp, which took place July 7 through Friday, was offered free of charge, providing students with a hands-on experience in machine sewing and hand sewing.

Campers had the chance to create their own skirts, shoulder bags and pillows. Not only did these projects teach the children to use their creativity, but it provided them an opportunity to make clothing and accessories they will wear and use.

“The children were overjoyed to have created their own clothes and pillows,” stated Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center. “Seeing their excitement as they showed off their finished work was truly inspiring. We are so thankful to Marianne and the team for investing their time and talents into these young lives.”

In addition to DuBois, the camp was supported by assistant instructors Grace Clum, Rebecca Wherry and Claire Wherry, who helped guide the students through each step of the creative process, Bauman noted.

During the camp’s final day, each participant was allowed to showcase their accomplishments, as the young girls modeled their handmade skirts that were paired with a matching shoulder bag.

“The camp’s lone male participant displayed several impressive items, including a pillow made from Ohio State-themed fabric,” Bauman said.

The sewing camp was one of many free enrichment opportunities being offered by the Sycamore Youth Center.

The nonprofit, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville, provides a wide range of after-school and summer programming to support the personal and creative development of local youth.

According to Bauman, families are encouraged to enroll their children in the upcoming Sycamore Summer Fun Camp, scheduled to take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4-8.

Registration is free and available by visiting sycamorecenter.com.