[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.72″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]
[Sponsored] I started Curious Jane ten years ago to give my girls, and all-girls an opportunity to be creative and inventive in a high-energy space. My own background is in Industrial Design, and I feel strongly about the process of “making things” or – as I like to say “thinking with your hands.” It is a powerful process.
Camp started super small, on a shoestring budget, and has grown a lot! Three years ago, we launched a magazine. Little did I know it would be like starting a completely new business. We are a small group, passionate about what we do – and every day we are making things (sometimes, we’re making things up!)
Looking over some previous issues of our magazines, where we’ve interviewed some of our campers and staff, I found some truly excellent reflections on what making things means to these girls and young women. I’ve shared some below – words that leapt off the page at me included –– pride, constraints, persistence, confidence, problem-solving…
These are real skills and personal resources. These reflections point to the fact that “making things” not only builds confidence and self-awareness, but introduces concepts that can be applied to so many facets of life.
Here are some thoughts that girls have on the power of making things:
Eleanor ––
Why is it important to make things? To me, it is so important to be a maker – not only because you make super-cool stuff, but also because you learn how to solve problems, work with others and become even more creative.
Sophie ––
What does it mean to be a ‘curious jane’? To me, it means to be a creative and motivated girl who is always excited and ready to learn.
Georgia ––
How does making things make you feel? The feeling of creation involved in making things is a very powerful thing! When i am making things, I’m working with something deep in myself. This energy is my lifeforce.
Here are some reflections that young women share on what they gain through creativity and making:
Naomi ––
How do you inspire girls to create + make? Make, create, make, then make some more. And when you are tired, make a little more! Every project you do leads to new ideas and new inspiration. Creating
is hard work and it takes confidence, brains and energy. When you get frustrated, take a moment to think and then re-approach your project
Bella ––
Why do you like to make things for other people? When you create something with your hands, and then share it with someone, you are also sharing your ideas, energy and personality.
And keep in mind: whether your projects turn out just the way you planned, or a little different, always take pride in the things you make!
Jenna ––
What would you say to inspire girls to be creative in their daily lives? I would say to try everything – try every activity and craft that you are interested in. Don’t box yourself in. Follow your passions but allow yourself to try new things so you can figure out what those passions are!
Samantha (founder, Curious Jane) ––
Any girl who has taken a workshop with me has definitely heard me say let your hands do the thinking. It is one of my favorite philosophies! This is because making doesn’t always follow a plan – in fact making often takes the lead. It’s a discovery process, and it’s a fun one.
People ask me “Samantha, what do you do?” and I say “I run summer camps for girls” and they say “Oh, wow! It must
be nice to have the rest of the year off” – and I give them a big smile! First, I am very lucky and I love what I do, so I don’t think of my work as time “on” or “off.” And second, I do actually work year-round.
What do I do? I make things! I make camps – I make solar pizza box ovens for Kitchen Chemistry, I miniatures for DIY Dollhouse, and I make mysteries for Spy Science – and I make a magazine! At the biggest level, we make Curious Jane… for girls who like to make things.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.72″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#e02b20″ border_style=”solid” saved_tabs=”all”]
This post is sponsored by Curious Jane.
Thank you for supporting the businesses that support A Child Grows.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.72″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]
Curious Jane is giving away one week of camp! See more information here: https://www.achildgrows.com/giveaway-one-week-of-curious-jane-camp/
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]