Clay Play Camps
Jessa was recently featured on The Potters Cast, where she discussed her inspirations, her process, and Clay Play Classes and Camps!
Let’s Get Creative!
Decker-Smith Pottery is so excited to offer four week-long Clay Play Camps in the summer of 2026! Kids will get to experience all things clay, and make tons of cool creations in the process.
At Clay Play Camps participants will sculpt, hand-build, coil-build, slab-build, use texture, carving, and appliqué, decorate, glaze, and see how the kiln works.
But the most exciting part is always learning to throw pottery on a potter’s wheel! I’ve lost count of the ooohs, ahhhhs, and wows I hear when I demonstrate throwing on the wheel. And once kids give it a spin, they’re hooked!
Book now to hold your spot!
2026 Clay Play Summer Camps!
June 1-5 - Clay Play 101 Camp - This camp will cater to those new to clay, or new to Clay Play Camp, but seasoned repeaters are welcome too! We will start with the basics of wheel-throwing and hand-bilding, and they will be amazed with what they can create using simple techniques!
June 8-12 - Clay Play Bon Appétit Camp - I can’t believe this will be my first time offering a food-themed clay camp, since tiny foods are one of the most popular genres of clay making I see at Clay Play. This week we will make adorable foods and food accessories - non-edible, but still delightful!
June 15-19 - Clay Play Mini Castle Camp - Also building upon themes that come up organically so often in Clay Play, this week kids will create small interactive homes/buildings/castles, and accouterments to play with inside them. Children are invited to bring small characters (lego minifigs, tiny animals or dolls, etc), for whom they can create an interactive domicile!
June 22-26 - Clay Play Safari Camp - Join us this week for flora, fauna, and fun as we explore the wonders of the animal world in clay!
(All camps will include wheel-throwing and as always, if participants are inspired to make beyond what is planned, that is always welcomed. Selecting specific camps won’t limit what they’re able to make. We always encourage campers to follow inspiration wherever it leads!)
Registration Information Below!
Clay Play Day Camp Details:
Who: Clay Play Camp is for children entering 2nd - 7th grade.
Dates: June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26
Times:
Mornings Only - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Full Days - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: The Decker-Smith Pottery studio (in the Southern Hills neighborhood of Denver, Colorado).
Cost:
Morning Only - $270 weekly rate/$55 daily rate
Full Day - $470 weekly rate/$95 daily rate
Schedule: Our camp days will include time for creating, playing, eating snacks and lunch, and taking breaks at McWilliams (Dinosaur) Park, located across the street.
Food: Kids will need to bring two snacks, lunch, and a water bottle each day of camp.
Safety:
There will be a camper to helper ratio of no more than 8 campers to 1 helper.
We will be outside as much of the time as possible on the covered porch that adjoins the studio, in the back yard, or at the park across the street.
Please list 2 emergency contacts who will be in town and available during your campers’ time at camp.
Please make any allergies, medical, or emotional needs known when you register your child for camp. We will discuss how we can best serve your camper and how to ensure their safety and enjoyment while at camp.
Ready to Register your Child(ren)?
Complete these two steps.
1) Email me the following information for each participant:
Child's Name:
Child's Pronouns:
Which Camp(s):
June 1-5 - Clay Play 101 Camp
June 8-12 - Clay Play Bon Appétit Camp
June 15-19 - Clay Play Mini Castle Camp
June 22-26 - Clay Play Safari Camp
Full Week Or Specific Days:
Morning Only or Full Day:
Child's Birthdate:
Child's Grade:
Parent's Name:
Parent's Phone:
Additional Emergency Contact Name:
Additional Emergency Contact Phone:
Names of people who will pick your child up from Clay Play Camp:
Allergies/Restrictions/Medical/Emotional Needs:
2) Pay deposit of $100 per participant to hold their spot at Summer Clay Play Camp. You may pay by Venmo (@deckersmithpottery) or PayPal (using my email address).
Once you have completed those steps you will receive an email letting you know that your child's information and deposit have been received. Payment of summer camp balance will be due by June 1, 2026.