What is it?

An opportunity to provide your child with a fun-filled PA Day, exploring what it's like to work with clay and build lifelong treasures.

Inclusions

  • 9 am - 4 pm programming
  • Two stoneware pottery pieces! 
  • All clay, glaze, and kiln firings 
  • Outdoor activities
  • Extended hours available for additional fee
Sign up
  • Dates & times

    Available now:

    • Friday, September 27, 2024 (CEPEO)

    Coming soon:

    • Friday, October 25, 2024 (UCDSB + CDSBEO)
    • Friday, November 22, 2024 (UCDSB + CDSBEO)
    • Monday, November 25, 2024 (CEPEO)

    Ages: 7 - 12 years old

    Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
    For an additional fee, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Your creations

    Piece 1: Tree ornament
    Campers will learn how to slab roll when building this ornament. Various templates will be provided, or they can come up with their own unique shape.


    Piece 2: Elf workshop

    Campers will use slab, coil, and pinch techniques to build a tiny workshop. Maybe the door will be made of candy canes?

  • What to bring

    • Refillable water bottle
    • Nut-free lunch and two snacks
    • Active footwear
    • Clothing that can get messy
    • Bug spray
    • Rain jacket
    • Extra clothing / layers
    • Hat
  • What to submit

    If you've signed your child(ren) up for camp, please fill out the following 24 hours before camp starts:

    1. 2024 Pottery Studio Waiver
    2. 2024 Pottery PA Day Camp Questionnaire
  • Camp rules

    ZEAL camp rules help ensure all campers' safety, enjoyment, and well-being. Rules will be posted on the door of the studio, and signed by all campers. You can read them in advance here.

  • Pottery pickup

    Your pieces will be ready for pickup within 6-8 weeks after camp, or just before the holidays. Please expect an email from Kate.

Example programming

8:30 AM Early drop off*

9:00 AM Drop-off & activity 

9:30 AM Hand-building: Tree ornament Part I

10:30 AM Morning snack

10:45 AM Outdoor game

11:30 AM Hand-building: Tree ornament Part II

12:00 PM Packed lunch

1:00 PM Hand-building: Elf workshop Part I

2:30 PM Afternoon snack 

3:00 PM Hand-building: Elf workshop Part II

3:30 PM Team cleanup

4:00 PM Pick-up

4:30 PM Late pick-up*

*Additional fees apply

  • Courtney Symons on professionalism

    Kate is a dream to work with in any professional capacity. Her dedication to detail, non-stop creativity, and general zeal for life sets her leagues apart from her peers. She is reliable, hard-working, and so much fun. If you get the chance to be in her orbit, take it! You'll be glad you did.

  • Erin Gagné on pottery lessons

    My teenage daughter and I have taken several semi and private lessons with Kate at ZEAL. Kate is an excellent teacher and kind human. She took the time to explain the process, and answer questions. She has the patience of a goddess. I highly recommend ZEAL!

  • Emma Jackson on community

    I can’t think of anyone better suited to run a kid’s camp than Kate, who has somehow managed to retain that magical and enviable enthusiasm of youth. Time and again I’ve witnessed our kids gravitate to Kate’s unwavering optimism and energy. She clearly delights in meeting and working with people of all ages, lifting up her peers and giving back to the community. You’ll never regret working with Kate, and you may even come away with a bit more zeal yourself.

  • Kendra Begley on working together

    Working with Kate at the kids' Karate camp she ran was an absolute pleasure. Her organization skills ensured smooth operations daily, while her creativity brought fun and engaging activities to the campers. Kate's reliability and trustworthiness made her a standout leader, creating a positive and safe environment for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of attending a pottery camp?

Pottery camps teach artistic skills and foster creativity, patience, and fine motor skills. They provide a hands-on learning experience that encourages self-expression and boosts confidence in children.

What will my child learn at this pottery camp?

Children will learn the basics of pottery, including hand-building techniques (coil, slab, pinch) and glazing techniques.

Do children need any prior experience with pottery?

No prior experience is usually required. Pottery camps are designed to cater to beginners and those with some experience who want to improve their skills.

Are pottery camps safe for children?

Pottery camps prioritize safety, and instructors teach children how to safely handle clay and pottery tools.

Do you charge taxes on top of the $400 weekly rate? 

Not for this year.  

What if my child has a food allergy? 

Parents are being asked to pack nut-free lunches. If your child has other allergies that may be a concern, please email kate@zealcreativestudios.com and we can work together on a solution so everyone stays safe!

Can parents observe or participate in pottery camps?

Due to space limitations, parents cannot observe or participate in the camp.

Do you offer refunds if my child cannot attend a camp day?

No. There are no refunds available.

Can I transfer a week of camp to another child?

Yes. Up to 48 hours before the start of a camp week, you can transfer your spot to another child if something comes up and you cannot attend. Please note: ZEAL is not responsible for facilitating the transfer. 

What are your facilities like?

Our property is on 2.2 acres just outside of Kemptville. There is a barn, which the children will not be able to go into. The pottery studio is newly in our out-building. This building has no running water or air conditioning; we use a hose and buckets for all pottery-related activities and have a fan running. The space isn't insulated yet, so bringing extra layers is key on cooler days. Due to the recurring heat waves though, snacks and lunch will be eaten at the harvest table inside of our air conditioned home with access to our washroom. There is a trampoline with a safety enclosure, which may be incorporated into outdoor activities, pending parent/guardian permission.

Where are you located?

10055 French Settlement Road, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0

Will parents/guardians need to sign a waiver?

Yes.

If you've signed your child(ren) up for camp, please fill out the following:

  1. 2024 Pottery Studio Waiver
  2. 2024 Pottery summer camp questionnaire

Deadlines for submission:
Week one: August 12–16 | Submit by August 8, 2024 
Week two: August 19-23 | Submit by August 15, 2024 

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