The Buckhorn Area Quilters’ Guild is proud to support the next generation of quilters through our Children’s Quilt Camp.

For many years, guild members have helped young people learn the basics of sewing and quilting in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

What began as a weekly summer activity later grew into a weeklong camp, giving participants more time to learn, practise, and complete their own quilt projects.

At camp, children receive guidance from experienced volunteer quilters as they learn how to choose fabrics, use sewing tools, follow a pattern, and build confidence with each step of the process.

Campers are encouraged to work at their own skill level, whether they are brand new to sewing or already have some quilting experience.

2026 Quilt Camp

This year we welcomed 11 young people ranging in age from 10 to 16. There were several first time attendees, and several who were returning to learn more new skills.

All those attending had the use of a dedicated sewing machine, and a B.A.Q.G. quilter to assist and advise them in the stitching process.

Over the course of the four days, the children made a set of placemats, bowl cozies, book cover, scissor holder, tissue holder, and Freezie cover.

There was a great assortment of colourful fabric to choose from, and each participant picked their own fabrics. A thank you goes to Northcott Fabrics for their generous donation. We would also like to thank the B.A.Q.G. members who raided their stash for extra fabric.

By the end of the second day, the children had completed their placemats and were proud of their excellent results; both the stitchers and their helpers learned new skills and tips.

On the second day, book covers, bowl cozies and scissor holders were on the menu. Each of the participants made two cozies and one scissor holder, and then moved on to their book covers.

These turned out very well, and several of the older participants learned how to use some of their machine’s embroidery features – one girl put the name of the book on the cover; others chose to stitch different words!

The following day provided time for the participants to complete any of the projects that were works in progress, and to make some extra items – tissue holders and Freezie holders.

Guild members realized that several of the young stitchers actually enjoyed ironing! Their moms will be pleased, no doubt.

On the final day of the Camp, the participants all worked together to assemble quilt tops. By the end of the day, three quilt tops had been completed, and will be donated to the B.A.Q.G. Comfort Quilt Programme.

Each stitcher also donated one of their bowl cozies to Community Care for their Christmas baskets. The Grade 9 and older sewers were able to bank some volunteer hours (a school requisite) because of these donations.

Throughout the four days of sewing, the participants enjoyed what appeared to be a huge quantity of cookies, ice creams, drinks, and squares. Thanks go to the B.A.Q.G. members who provided these snacks.

Lunch on Wednesday was courtesy of Allora Pizza and their donation was delicious. A huge thank you for their annual donation.

The luxury of air conditioning came our way because of the kindness of the Wesley United Church board/congregation who allowed us the free use of their church hall for the four days of Camp. A cool donation! Thank you so much.

And we all (novice stitchers and B.A.Q.G. volunteer helpers) want to thank Yettie for the time and effort she put into co-ordinating this wonderful experience. Thank you!

For the volunteers, the Camp was a fun way to spend four rewarding days introducing stitching to another generation of stitchers.

Looking Back at the First Weeklong Camp

The guild’s first weeklong Children’s Quilt Camp was held in July 2019.

Nine young quilters, all 10 years of age or older, took part in the camp. Each camper chose a pattern based on her experience and selected fabrics to make the quilt her own.

Thanks to generous donations from guild members and community supporters, the fabrics were available at no cost.

Throughout the week, the campers shared tools, ideas, suggestions, and encouragement. Each participant was supported by an experienced volunteer quilter and was able to complete a quilt by the end of the week.

On the final day, the campers proudly displayed their finished quilts before taking them home.

Below is a photo of the completed quilt projects from the 2019 Children’s Quilt Camp.

Thank You to Our Volunteers, Supporters, and Donors

Children’s Quilt Camp is only possible because of the time, care, and generosity of many people.

The 2019 camp was facilitated by Yettie Ireland and Pat Clayton, whose organization, patience, and encouragement helped make the week such a success.

The guild is also grateful to the many donors, volunteers, local businesses, and community supporters who contributed fabric, supplies, food, space, time, and encouragement.

Thank you to our 2019 supporters and donors:

• Cheryl Cyblinski
• Coats & Clark
• Fabricland Peterborough
• Northcott Fabrics
• Quilters’ Inn
• Paul Leger
• Pizza Alloro
• St. Matthew/St. Aidan’s Anglican Church
• Anonymous donor
• Members of the Buckhorn Area Quilters’ Guild