Looking for a creative, screen-free summer? Join the kids’ art camp!

Children grow their own plant in a flowerpot made of waste plastic containers as a nature art activity. Pics courtesy/Hobby on the go

If you're looking for an activity that will engage your child, without screens, a summer camp for four to seven-year-olds, beginning this month, offers just that. Organised by city-based art platform, Hobby on the Go, it offers kids the opportunity to use various art materials to create and take home a new craft every day.

"The camp is spread over five weeks, and has limited seats, hence it is best to grab a spot early; those interested can opt for one, multiple, or all weeks. Each week is dedicated to a different theme, most of them involving nature," shares founder Bhakti Shah. The themes are: The jungle, the ocean and beach, garden and nature crafts, world cultures, and space exploration.

Warli art frames, crafted using ice cream sticks

Shah explains, "The idea is to help children understand different creative mediums. I will guide them through sensory, age-appropriate activities, consisting of visually representing each theme. For instance, for the jungle theme, I will share animal-based stories, and may ask them to create a monkey swinging from a tree. Likewise, we can use a shoebox to make an aquarium for the ocean theme, flowerpots for the garden category, or the moon and stars for space. Further, they will be introduced to different cultures and countries - Warli art (India), painting cherry blossoms (Japan), and making windmills (The Netherlands), amongst others."

Hand-painted waste bottles

Materials and techniques range from craft paper, paints, and clay, to felt, papier-mâché, foam, stitching and weaving, and even balloons, alongside others. Shah adds that the power of observation and nature-centric details (colours and shapes, for example) are integral elements that she aims to inculcate in young participants.

Bhakti Shah

"I've noticed cases of art sessions in schools being cancelled or taken over by academics, all of which eventually reduces patience and attention spans in young kids. This camp is to help children imbibe a creative spirit and form connections, without the intervention of electronic devices," she signs off.

FROM March 23 to April 24
AT Hobby on the Go Studio, Paras Residency, Goregaon West.
REGISTER 9821876950 (message)
ENTRY Rs 2000 (per week, per head; discounts applicable for multiple-week registrations)