Gem of a Camp

Summer is here, and students are out of school. For many kids, camp is top of mind. It’s an opportunity to get enrichment, meet friends, exercise, learn, be challenged without testing or grades, and explore. Camp is not only a fun option for kids, but also a welcome option for parents.

In Wilmington, in a new shop off Park Avenue near Pomegranate Books, an option is Jonkheer Jewelry Camp.

“We both loved the jewelry camp,” says Laura, mother of a former camper. “Lucy did them about six or seven years with a couple of sessions a summer when possible. The camp was a safe, fun, inspiring environment that allowed Lucy to express her creativity while receiving expert guidance, developing hands-on skills, and meeting new friends. This was all capped off with a gallery show at the end of the session.”

Jonkheer Jewelry Camp, open to ages 7-14, is led by metalsmith Mitzy Jonkheer. She turned to art after initially wanting to be an English teacher, and can combine her passions for teaching and art by offering a jewelry camp. This is the 13th year of the camp, which she says attracts a mix, kids who live in the Wilmington area and those here on vacation or visiting family members.

There are different themes each week, and all the supplies are included. Jonkheer says the campers typically gain confidence in their art and jewelry ability throughout the week. Camp concludes with a show for the students to display their work.

New this year is a workshop for ages 14-18 and adult classes, in response to comments from parents who said they wish they could take the camp.

“I looked forward to Mitzy’s camp all summer long,” says a former camper named Jay. “I learned so many techniques and tricks that I still remember to this day.”