WASHOUGAL – Washougal High School students come together every other week at the after-school craft club, a unique space where students share their passions and learn new skills. Community volunteers and school staff teach skills like knitting, cross-stitching, crocheting, sketching and more to high school participants at each meeting. In January, volunteers with the East County Citizens Alliance facilitated knitting lessons.
Washougal High School counselor Lexie Groves and Associate Principal Mary Andreotti started the club earlier this school year. Each time the club meets, students engage in creative projects and build community. “(Craft club) has really become my favorite part of the month to plan. Getting to invest and spend time with our students while relaxing and creating new projects is both fun and rewarding,” Groves said.
Students take a leadership role by brainstorming topics for future months like creating slime and clay modeling. Students also promote the club to their peers and manage the club’s social media channel.
“Craft club offers a variety of healthy coping skills through crafting to deal with the stress and challenges in teens’ lives. Beyond the crafts, this club also gives students a space to build healthy relationships with each other and staff,” Groves said.
