~~SituationAccording to a study by Pamela Norum a professor in the Department of Textiles and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri, sewing skills have gradually decreased with each generation after the Baby Boomers.  A Trigg county volunteer who enjoys sewing and teaching made an effort to reverses that trend this summer. Target Audience…youth ages 9 to 19  Educational ResponseA series of sewing day camps this summer.  The newly recruited sewing leaders goal was to teach young people to use a sewing machine and iron, hand sew, make several small items for themselves and gifts, along with charity quilts. She recruited 3 more volunteers.  On 8 different half day sessions the volunteers worked with 12 youth.  Some of the projects completed were coasters, tote bags, pin cushions, pillow and charity quilts.  The objective of the sewing camp was to get kids sewing and having fun doing it.  The youth didn’t make shorts as their 1st project but many fit categories in the home environment. A survey at the beginning of the camp indicated that 100% had little to no knowledge of how to use a sewing machine, use an iron and hand sewing.  At the end of the day camp, 100% indicated that they were good or very good at all of those skills. 100% indicated they followed directions to make something for themselves.  On the last day of the camp a young man attended.  The leader said “This was Blake's first time to sew, he was a star!!”Partner(s)A total of 4 volunteers from the local quilt club worked with 12 youth. OutcomesProcessShort term (knowledge, skills, opinions, and aspirations)100% of the youth indicated that they could sew a straight seam, 50% learned to turn corners, sew curves and hold fabric steady while using the machine.  Intermediate (Practice and Behavior Change)75% learned new safety practices such as watching for needles and hot irons and indicated they could use a sewing machine without helpLong Term (Social, Economic, Environmental or Civic)  75% demonstrated what they had learned to someone else.  Some mothers commented they sis not know how to sew, now their child should be able to teach them. 100% understood the importance of using the skills they learned and their time to give back to those in need. The group completed 5 charity quilts.