Granny Camp Kick-Off to Launch New Life Skills Series at University Libraries

Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, in partnership with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Services of Washington and Benton Counties, will host the "Granny Camp Kick-Off: Life Skills You Wish You Knew" from noon to 2 p.m. April 15 in the Mullins Library Event Space (MULN 217).

The event marks the beginning of a new series called "Granny Camp," designed to share practical, everyday skills and foster intergenerational learning across campus and throughout the Northwest Arkansas community. The series is sponsored by Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts and will continue with future sessions held at the Washington County Extension Office on campus, located at 2536 N. McConnell Ave.

Open to the entire campus community, the kickoff event invites participants to drop in at any time during the two-hour window. Attendees can create a small sewing craft while learning more about the upcoming Granny Camp series and offering ideas and feedback that will help shape future programming.

The hands-on activities will be led by members of the Washington and Benton County Extension Homemakers Councils, whose volunteers will guide participants through the crafting and share practical knowledge along the way. Organizers say the event is designed to be flexible, allowing guests to stay and socialize or simply pick up a craft to complete at home.

In addition to crafting, the event aims to provide a relaxed space for participants to connect and learn from experienced community members, often referred to as the "Grannies," who bring a wealth of knowledge in traditional and everyday skills.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, and no registration is required.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take a break in their day, learn something new and contribute ideas for a series intended to grow with community input.