Youth Programs at BCC
At Brookfield Craft Center, young people learn by making. From their first clay project to an advanced forge, woodworking, or metalsmithing experience, our youth programs offer welcoming, hands-on opportunities to build skill, confidence, creativity, and connection.
Explore a new material, build practical skills, and make something you are proud to take home. BCC youth classes are small, supportive, and taught by experienced teaching artists in studios for clay, wood, metal, fibers, glass, and more.
Explore Youth Classes and Programs
No prior experience is needed for most youth classes—just curiosity and a willingness to make something new.
Youth Classes
Explore a new material, build practical skills, and make something you are proud to take home. BCC youth classes are small, supportive, and taught by experienced teaching artists in studios for clay, wood, metal, fibers, glass, and more.
Young Makers is a hands-on homeschool program for students ready to explore clay, wood, and metal in small, age-appropriate groups. Students build practical skills through projects that encourage focus, problem-solving, patience, and creative independence.
Students ages 12–16 may have the opportunity to work in the forge, while younger makers explore metalsmithing through copper and silver projects designed for their age group.
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Young Makers Studio Apprenticeships
For teens ready to deepen their craft practice, the Young Makers Studio Apprenticeship offers mentorship, studio leadership experience, and tuition-free access to available BCC classes during the apprenticeship term.
Apprentices choose a focus in clay, wood, or metal; support a Young Makers studio under the guidance of a teaching artist; apprentice in an adult class; and develop their own skills through additional class access and independent studio learning.
Applicants must have completed at least one prior BCC class in their chosen studio.
Why Make at BCC?
Young people deserve opportunities to learn with their hands, not only through a screen. Our programs help students develop:
- Practical skills and tool confidence
- Patience, focus, and problem-solving
- Creative independence and self-expression
- Respect for materials, process, and shared studio spaces
- Respect for materials, process, and shared studio spaces
- A supportive community of fellow makers
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Our registrar can help you find the right program for your young maker’s age, interests, and experience level.