Woolman at Sierra Friends Center

Woolman is a nonprofit educational community dedicated to the principles of peace, justice and sustainability. Originally founded in 1963 as a Quaker high school, today Woolman offers educational programs for teens, retreats for adults, and summer camps for children and families. The name was inspired by John Woolman, an 18th century Quaker human rights activist, who aspired to live his life in complete integrity with his principles.

Located on 230 acres in the Sierra Nevada Foothills within walking distance of the Yuba river, the Woolman campus is an experiment in sustainable community living. Most of our produce is grown here in our organic garden, much of our energy is from solar, wood, and other renewable resources, and the ideas of Permaculture and conservation are infused in the community culture. As a Quaker community we welcome people of all backgrounds, and do not require or push any religious beliefs. While many of our staff and participants are not Quaker, the Quaker ideals of inquiry-based education, consensus decision making, peace, equality and integrity are fundamental to our shared endeavor. Our programs include:

The Woolman Semester School

Akin to studying abroad, The Woolman Semester is a 4 month residential education program in northern California for passionate young people who want to make a difference!

How does studying peak oil, human rights, nonviolent social movements, organic farming, and taking lots of field trips sound to you? Do this and more while earning high school credit and strengthening skills for college! The Woolman Semester is a semester school for high school students who want to explore the intersections of peace, social justice, and sustainable living.

The academic foundation of the semester consists of three core classes: Peace Studies (English), Environmental Science, and Global Issues (Econ/Government). These subject areas are the lenses through which local and global issues are examined. Other classes include Nonviolent Communication; Art; Permaculture in a Nutshell; Rhythms: Perspective, Practice and Awareness. Beginning in the Fall of 2011, we are now also offering Mathematics and Spanish classes so that students can keep up with their requirements from home high schools!

The Woolman experience is rooted in community—the educational community of which students are a part, the natural community of which our 230 acre campus is a part, the nearby Yuba River, the local Grass Valley and Nevada City communities, and the myriad opportunities to explore peace, justice and sustainability within California.

As a Friends school, the Woolman Semester is part of a long tradition of groundbreaking education. With a commitment to bringing out the best in each individual, Quaker schools are among the best in the world.

Is Woolman where you want to take your education?

Summer Camps

Sierra Friends Camp offers fun, friendship, and adventure for 9-14 year-olds in the beautiful Sierra-Nevada foothills. Campers can play, swim, hike, laugh, make friends, and be themselves in a supportive community. The camp experience inspires young people to value nature, value themselves, and value others in order to build a more peaceful and just world.

New for 2011! Woolman Teen Leadership Camp gives teens ages 15 & 16 the experience of a lifetime with wilderness adventure, service and learning.