Youth Classes & Camps

Throughout the year, we offer weekend and after school classes, as well as weeklong camps during spring and summer for youth, ages 8-18, in the industrial arts. Give your child a creative experience—pouring molten metal, forging a steel hook, bending glass into an illuminated neon sign—there’s no place like The Crucible.

2023 Youth Summer Camps open for early member registration on Tuesday, March 7. Public registration opens Tuesday, March 14.

SHOP CLASSES

Start planning your 2023 Crucible Youth Camp experience

Registration opens for member families on Tuesday. March 7, and opens to the public on Tuesday, March 14

2023 Crucible Youth Camp Schedule
DOWNLOAD YOUR 2023 CAMP PDF

How Old Is Your Youth?

We offer a wide variety of age-appropriate youth classes for youth ages 8-18. For the safety of your child and their fellow students, our age limits are strictly enforced. Younger than 8? You are welcome to visit for a field trip or an upcoming open house.

Ages 8-11

Youth ages 8-11 are welcome to come get creative including ceramics, electronics, and Mexican tin art, woodcarving, print making, and more.

Ages 12-18

At age 12, the majority of our fire arts departments become available—come learn to weld, blacksmith, pour molten metal, and more.

Ages 14-18

Once youth turn 14, they can start blowing glass in the Hot Shop, learning advanced TIG Welding skills, and using power tools in woodworking.

Crucible camps and classes over school breaks

In The Crucible’s youth camps and classes, students get hands-on, learning STEM concepts through the industrial arts, experimenting with different media and techniques, and connecting with creative mentors and new friends.

2023 Spring Break Weekend Classes:

Weekend, March 25-26
Weekend, April 1-2
Weekend, April 15-16

2023 Week-long Summer Camps:

Week 1: June 12-16, 2023
Week 2: June 20-23, 2023 (NO CAMP MONDAY, JUNE 19)
Week 3: June 26-30, 2023
Week 4: July 10-14, 2023
Week 5: July 17-21, 2023
Week 6: July 24-28. 2023

2023 Youth Summer Camps ope for early member registration on Tuesday, March 7.
Public registration opens Tuesday, March 14.

Shop Youth

Youth Offerings in 15 Departments

Thousands of Bay Area youth, ages 8-17, have attended Crucible classes, camps, and workshops. From metal to wood to glass we provide a unique setting for youth to explore their creative voices, while absorbing real-life lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Shop Youth Classes

More Ways Youth Get Creative

Youth Scholarships

Each year, The Crucible offers over $100,000 in full and partial scholarships to local youth, reserving 20% of spots in all our youth classes for scholarship students. Scholarship applications are considered based on economic need, artistic ability and/or promise, and applicants zip code—with priority given first to our neighbors in West Oakland, then Oakland residents, and then Greater Bay Area residents.

Apply for a Scholarship

Youth Group Workshops

We have a wide variety of age-appropriate five-person minimum group workshops for youth, ages 8-18. In our private youth workshops, each student creates an individual project to take home and will have students energized and excited.

See Workshop Options

Individual Instruction

During one-on-one instruction, youth develop their artistic skill and technique at their own pace. Our most popular departments for youth private instruction are Blacksmithing and Glass Blowing, however we can tailor a curriculum for any of our departments. Individual instruction can be project focused or technique focused.

Email Us

Make As A Family

Studies show that partaking in activities as a family leads to greater self confidence, improved academic performance, and increased overall happiness. From pottery to welding, you can enjoy fun art activities as a family right here in Oakland.

Family Options

Give Your Child A Unique Creative Experience!

Shop Youth OFFERINGS