Hands on History

Inspiring creativity through historic crafts

Boy & Girl Scout Troops

Earn Badges
& Make Memories

We will work with your boy or girl scout troop's needs to meet requirements for badges that you want to earn.  In the past, troops have worked towards the following badges at Swan Bay Folk Art Center: 


  • Sewing
  • Folk Art
  • Basketweaving

This troop completed their basketweaving badge during an intensive 4 hour class.  In addition to having quality baskets and a hand-woven stool, they learned all about the history and rich heritage of this American Folk Art.  


These girl scouts used their hard-earned cookie money to make a Create-a-Friend doll.  They even returned to Swan Bay the following year to celebrate their dolls' birthdays! 

Birthday

Parties for Girls

Bring your little princess and 5-15 of her friends to celebrate her special day!  At these parties, each girl will make some a craft project chosen by the birthday girl.  (We can customize a party based on your favorite American Girl Doll too!)   
Some of the craft possibilities include: 

  • a basket
  • decoupage box
  • "stained glass" jar
  • wool felted pouch
  • wool felted ball
  • sheep ornament
  • tie dyed shirts (additional cost)

A visit to the sheep pasture, and our Donkey Scarlet for picture taking, and a craft complete this 2 hour party.

Of course there is also time to open presents and play a game or two.

The price is $10.00 per girl.

(Recommended ages:  5-12)


**You provide the cake and any other refreshments of your choice.**





We also offer Create-A-Friend dolls and stuffed animals for a birthday party option as well.  See our doll making page for all prices and options.    

Field Trips for Summer Day Camps

A fun day a Swan Bay

Are you looking for a fun, educational, and creative field trip for your day campers this summer? 


We  offer the same craft possibilities as our party options as well as making tie-dyed t-shirts, a visit to the sheep pasture, a tour of a 1931 gas station and car show room, and a demonstration in spinning and weaving in the Colonial era.  We  have a shaded picnic paviolion that seats up to 80 guests, and multiple air-conditioned classrooms for craft-making and demonstration viewing areas.  We can accommodate up to fifty campers at a time, plus counselors and staff. 


The price for a two-hour personalized field trip is $6.00 per child.  Campers in the past have also made stuffed animals* and tie-dyed t-shirts for an additional cost. 

(*discounts available for stuffed animals for parties of 15 or more.)  


For further information, contact Niki at 609-652-0366.