Children’s Crafts

Since our opening days, people have been asking for classes that were geared toward young creative minds.   This year we offer classes just for these learners.  Classes that hopefully will live up to our mission – “inspire the hands, heart & mind”.  Some of these classes also offer wonderful opportunities for families to learn together.

A Stick & A Hike

Mark Mayhew

Create a memorable day for you alone or together with your children.  Begin by selecting the “perfect” stick to make your very own hiking staff from ones collected by the instructor.  Then you will learn how to “shave” & carve your very own personalized hiking stick.  Once you are happy with your creation, you complete it by drilling a hole and adding a lanyard.  After lunch, you & your stick can hike one of several breathtaking hikes near the school using your very own hiking stick!  During the morning session you will learn what to take on a hike and how to dress to enjoy the day, trail etiquette and things to look for.  Not only is this a great introduction to simple woodcarving and the beauty of the Southern Adirondacks, but you’ll also create some wonderful memories.

• March 31, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20173
• May 19, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70083
• August 25, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70081
• Length of Class – 1/2 day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – noon
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $25/per person
• Materials – $5
• Ages – 8 to 80 with parent
  

Fly-Casting Basics for the Young
John Stacey & Rodney Priddle

This course has been developed specifically for beginners. You will learn all you need to know to get you quickly out there fishing!  Using techniques developed specifically for young people, this fun filled course will deliver an introduction to the sport of fly-fishing.  You will learn about the balanced fly rod outfit, its care and safety including the fundamentals of fly-casting designed to get you performing your basic casts as quickly as possible.  The result is that you can begin to fish immediately, and will during the class!  You will learn the basic knots needed to enjoy fly-fishing and tricks that John has taken a lifetime collecting.  Finally you will discuss the flies and insects important to fly-fishing. Using real insect samples taken from Mill Creek right next to the school, you will learn how to gather and identify the aquatic insects that fish actually eat.  This class is a great way to learn about a sport that you can enjoy with family and friends for a lifetime.

• May 5, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 20182
• Length of Class – 1/2 day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $40
• Ages – 12 and up

Create Your Own Marshmallow Roasters  

John Ackner

At the school these handy marshmallow roasters are jokingly referred to as “Squirrel Roasters”, which usually gets the attention of our visitors! They are great for roasting marshmallows or even flipping your steak on the grill.  The process of making these roasters is also a great way to learn the basics of blacksmithing. In this class you will learn how to build a fire in the forge, heat metal, twist, cut, and bend while using the tools of the blacksmith.  This is a fantastic class for beginners new to blacksmithing.  John is an excellent instructor and this class is open to all wanting to try their hand and have some fun! 

• June 23, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 70060
• Length of Class – 1 day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75
• Materials – $ 20 est.

Nature & Outdoor Photography for Teens

Lesley Dixon

This beginner’s workshop in outdoor and nature photography for young adults will focus on basic techniques and tips to improve your outdoor photography skills.  We will start the day with a basic overview on how to use your camera, including shutter speed, aperture, depth-of-field, and what techniques to use to get the type of shot you want.  We will also talk about composition and lighting.  Since there are beautiful photographic locations nearby we will then move the workshop outside to try to capture all the beauty surrounding the folk school.  There are waterfalls, rivers, lakes and forested areas.  This workshop is suitable for both regular digital cameras and digital SLR cameras. Please do not be intimidated if you are inexperienced.  Lesley welcomes the opportunity to help you learn and improve!  Topics to be covered include composition, lighting, use of equipment, and plenty of time for questions and answers. This class is suggested for those 14 years and older.

• July 10, 2012 – Tuesday - CRN – 70140
• Length of Class – 1/2 day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – noon
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $40
• Materials – camera, lens(es), tripod, camera manual, extra memory cards, batteries, etc. The class is geared toward DSLR use, but “point and shoot” cameras are welcome also.

Great beginner’s project for teens

Tinsmithing for Young People

Art Thorman

Travel back to the nineteenth century with a real tinsmith. In this class our young students will first be taught about safety using tools and sharp materials. They will then learn how to use the tools, how to transcribe patterns, and how to cut sheet metal. They will make reproductions of colonial wall sconces and candlesticks. Some of the tools being used will be over 100 years old!

• July 27, 2012 – Friday - CRN – 70102
• Length of Class – 1 day
• Hours – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75
• Materials – $10
• Ages 12 and up 

Creative Clay Construction for Kids

Sue Waterhouse