Woolman - Sierra Friends Center

Woolman (also known as Sierra Friends Center) 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

This dynamic semester school and gap year program brings together passionate young people from around the country who want to take charge of their education. The 16-week semester offers high school juniors, seniors, and gap-year postgraduates an experience that is student-centered, hands-on, relevant, progressive, and interdisciplinary. Project based course work and service-learning trips facilitate personal growth and leadership skills through the study of peace, environmental science, and global citizenship.

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.

More Programs

Woolman Internships provide year-long opportunities for service, learning and a rich community experience.

Family Work Camp brings together people of all ages for a week of fun, fellowship, and satisfying work projects.

We also have group facilities available to rent for conferences, workshops and retreats.