Kids & Family Programming
Our classes provide a fun and educational environment where children can explore their creative interests in ceramics, focusing on self-expression through handbuilding techniques. Classes for teenagers can include time on the potter's wheel.
Single Day Programs for Kids and Families
I see family classes, but none for kids! What's up with that?
The Clay Studio of Missoula focuses on our afterschool program when public school is in session, as often our youth programs receive too low of enrollment to run during these times. We run a Family Clay Night around the second week of each month to give a regular opportunity to youth which isn't as resource intensive. In these sessions, parents enroll along with their kids both to have fun themselves (and make a cool project if they want to), and help manage behavior and keep younger kids caught up. Though all of our teaching artists are experts teaching clay, they might not be experts teaching kids, so it's vital to have parents enrolled alongside their children for these, so the teaching artists can focus on the clay instruction they're pros at. We do offer a reduced price "helper" ticket for adults who are not interested in keeping their practice project after they learn how to build it.
We do hold workshops for children periodically. These typically happen during days off public school, and start enrolling about a month in advance. Missoula County Public Schools has their calendars for Elementary, Middle, and High School available to the public if you're not sure when days off public school are happening.
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Our biggest youth programming happens during Spring Break (near the end of March) and Summer Break (June through August), when we run week long camps young students can take all on their own to: meet other creative kids, make friends, and have fun! Spring and Summer camps usually release in February and/or early March. This can vary some years, but this is a good time of year to check in to get more information about upcoming youth camp releases.
About Youth Camps and Sessions
Kids classes are broken into age brackets to give kids the best resources to succeed and have fun! Each age bracket does practice baseline skills at the start, so beginners are always welcome. Instruction is paced and project subjects are curated for each age group. Little Kids, Age 5-8 These camps will move at a slower pace and do projects that will accommodate young ones that are still developing strength in their hands and arms. Project themes will be a bit simpler and tailored to the interests of young children. Big Kids (9-12) These camps will move faster and tackle more challenging multi-phase projects. Kids will explore subjects that may be too complex or abstract for younger peers like Fantasy and connecting clay to Science. Teens (Age 12-18) Camps for teens will handle challenging methods that would frustrate younger peers. They'll have the chance to handle studio power tools such as the pottery wheel, and may approach more complex builds by hand such as working on bigger projects.
Here at the Clay Studio of Missoula, kids can use the electric potter's wheel only once they've reached age 12. This is to give them the best possibility of succeeding with this tricky method safely. At this age kids can typically use our wheels in proper seated posture with both feet firmly on the ground, and be able to reach the pedal easily to control the throttle. With our adult-sized pottery wheels, lacking the size and strength to do this can lead to discomfort, back pain, and frustration - with a higher risk of injury from use of the power tool. Plus, wheel pottery is super messy, and younger children are not normally equipped to deal with the mountain of mud they create come clean-up time. We've tried working with children at younger growth milestones in the past and have found this to be true time and time again. Patience until age 12 will be rewarded with a more fun and successful experience on the wheel!
CLASSES FILL UP QUICKLY!
If you see something you are interested in and it is full, please contact us to be added to the wait list!
Please familiarize yourself with our refund and cancellation policy below prior to signing up for a class
Join our mailing list for youth programs to receive updates and class additions once they are announced.
Waivers required for Youth to engage in Clay Studio Youth Classes.
Waivers are valid for the calendar year they are signed,
up to January 31 of the next year if updated information is not yet available.
Your student cannot participate if you do not fill out a waiver annually.
Fill out and print the above PDF and turn it in at the studio or email completed to info@theclaystudioofmissoula.org
Anything shared on your child's waiver will only be seen by studio staff. Please share any pertinent information that would help us provide the best learning experience for your child, such as learning differences, allergies, and so on.
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Please note: the PDF version of the form must be downloaded and saved, filled, then printed or emailed to studio staff. You can print a copy and mail it to the address in the footer or drop off in person if you prefer pen and paper.
Week-Long Camps for Kids and Teens
Week long programming for youth which take place in our ANNEX space! Great opportunities to explore clay and make friends for young people!
Yearly youth waivers required by day 1 to participate!
Waiver linked above!
Clay Kits and Tools for Home
At-Home Clay Kits, for clay activities and learning in the comfort of your home! Kit includes list of at-home tool alternatives, but tools are also available for sale.
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
Thank you for your interest in our programs! Occasionally people sign up for classes and unexpected situations may arise where taking a class may not work in their schedules. We do have a fair policy in place for cancellations. Please familiarize yourself with our policies before registering in case you do need to make a request to cancel. You can find this information on our Registration & Policies Page
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YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Clay Studio of Missoula's youth scholarship program is a need-based program that allows young people access to Clay Studio of Missoula classes and camps for free or reduced price. This program also accommodates collaborations with local organizations working with children with less access to arts education opportunities. This program relies upon ongoing community donations to maintain funds to accommodate scholarship requests. The Clay Studio is happy to report that there has been an upsurge in the use of this program, and we want to ensure we never turn someone away due to hardship.
*Due to scheduling and instructor availability, camps may not be available for all age ranges during spring break. Programming for the different age groups will be offered as often as possible.
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If you are interested in birthday parties or private workshops for friends and family, 2+ hour workshops can be booked for 12 people or less, of any age, with a call to the office. Check our "Private Events and Tours" page for more information. Private events must be booked in advance.