Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Connecticut College is proud to host over 109 clubs and organizations on campus. We like to think that we have something for everyone: the athletes, the singers, the artists, the activists, the gamers, and now the crafters. Those who love their crochet needles and yarn have always been there, but now they are taking what is rightfully theirs: 45 watercolor sets, 28 containers of playdough, and an official club title at Connecticut College.
I was curious to see what prompted these first year students to add another activity to their busy schedules. Co-President Dalia Kaplan ‘24, put it simply: “I wanted to craft.” This impromptu craft club stemmed from a facetime call between the co-club presidents in the weeks preceding our return to campus in the spring. Both Kaplan and Erin Flannagan ‘24 were discussing the crafts they had been working on, and decided to replicate this dynamic on the Conn campus. They were curious to see what other Camels were working on, and maybe even collaborate on a craft or two. Soon, the dream became a reality. They put in an application for Camel Craftz (insta:@camelcraftz), and the rest was history. But, I was still left with a few lingering questions. It seemed a little arbitrary to me: not crafting in itself, but the need for a space solely dedicated to the hobby. Couldn’t they craft alone? Would there really be a community of crafters ready to respond to this call to action?
Little did I know, the crafting community is a large and diverse one. While the days in kindergarten where macaroni was the sole medium might be over, Conn’s students crafting ambition isn’t. The crafting community has also gained new members in the pandemic as many are looking to keep their idle hands busy in this mundane time. In the lockdown last spring, many turned to needles, yarn, and multiple other crafting mediums to keep themselves preoccupied. Not only do crafts keep the hands occupied, but they keep the mind distracted, as well. In a year where everything was unknown, and every day brought new challenges, crafts remained constant. Prior to returning to campus in February, Kaplan contracted COVID-19. As she sat in isolation in her room, she looked for companionship in the materials around her. In her circumstance, it was knitting, coloring, and friendship bracelet making. These crafts soothed both her tumultuous storm of solitude and her nerves. Crafting has been a sincere aid in the mental health battle for many: its habituary nature and routine is hard to beat.
But why start now? It’s the middle of the school year, and the middle of an unprecedented time at Conn. Kaplan and Flannagan both agree that now is the best time. We all know that this is a year like no other. A year where solitude and space are encouraged over community and companionship. Crafting is the ideal pandemic activity. It can be done in isolation to settle one’s mind. It can also be done in socially distanced groups as members chat away about trivial matters. The club meets every other week, fluctuating between remote and in person meetings, with an in-person meeting on the green on March 24th. Evan Stouse ‘24, a member of Camel Craftz, had only good things to say about the club. Strouse says that “everyone is so nice and welcoming, and I am really excited to learn some new crafting mediums.”
As said in the words of the founders, Camel Craftz is a “super fun, funky fresh club.” Their aim is “to foster a welcoming environment in which members can come vibe, meet new friends, and learn some crafting skills along the way.” If you are a first year, or a seasoned student at Conn, join Camel Craftz and see what the hype is all about. Worst case scenario, you make some origami and a few friends along the way.
