Upcoming Events
60th Anniversary Celebration
Woolman at Sierra Friends Center is celebrating its 60th year anniversary in 2023!
Please join us for Woolman’s 60th Anniversary celebration taking place September 29 – October 1, 2023 in Nevada City, CA.
Accommodations are available on site, you can stay in town, or come for the day. All tickets and information can be found here. Reach out to Shannon (shannonb@woolman.org) with questions. We hope to see you there!
Day Camp!
Come for a day or for a week! Onsite activities may include art & craft, ceramics, sports, games, music, performance, cooking, swimming, hiking and enjoying our onsite organic farm. There will also be day trips to the Yuba and other hiking spots near campus.
Monday-Friday/8a-5p
Ages 6-17
Wombat Camp Session 4
These fun day trips & 3-day / 2-night adventures are led by our experienced staff. Your counselors will lead you in hiking, swimming, camping, making art, learning about nature, and becoming great friends. These trips are wonderful for people who are new to backpacking as well as seasoned hikers. Campers go to destinations such as the famous Pacific Crest Trail, The South Yuba River, Grouse Ridge, Desolation Wilderness, and the amazing Sierra Buttes. Experience sleeping under the stars, hiking through beautiful places, backcountry cooking, and learning about the ecosystems and history of our surrounding wilderness.
Day Camp!
Come for a day or for a week! Onsite activities may include art & craft, ceramics, sports, games, music, performance, cooking, swimming, hiking and enjoying our onsite organic farm. There will also be day trips to the Yuba and other hiking spots near campus.
Monday-Friday/8a-5p
Ages 6-17
Day Camp!
Come for a day or for a week! Onsite activities may include art & craft, ceramics, sports, games, music, performance, cooking, swimming, hiking and enjoying our onsite organic farm. There will also be day trips to the Yuba and other hiking spots near campus.
Monday-Friday/8a-5p
Ages 6-17
Wombat Camp Session 3 (2 week option)
Where else can you join a band of superheroes, perform a song about purple lasagna (and get a standing ovation), tie-dye your socks, make new friends, play with clay, learn about bugs, and jump in a beautiful river… all in the same day?
Days at camp are full of fun, laughter, friends, food, and choices. We do lots of things together – eating meals, playing all-camp games, singing, going to Mel’s Pond. There’s also times when you get to decide what you want to do – which activity you want to sign up for, which game you want to play, or what you want to do during free time.
Other special events we do at camp include Variety Show Night, dance parties, Jugs (Capture the Flag with some Woolman twists), and BBQs. It doesn’t matter who you are at school or where you are from, at camp the only person you have to impress is yourself!
Wombat Camp Session 3 (one week with backpacking)
These fun day trips & 3-day / 2-night adventures are led by our experienced staff. Your counselors will lead you in hiking, swimming, camping, making art, learning about nature, and becoming great friends. These trips are wonderful for people who are new to backpacking as well as seasoned hikers. Campers go to destinations such as the famous Pacific Crest Trail, The South Yuba River, Grouse Ridge, Desolation Wilderness, and the amazing Sierra Buttes. Experience sleeping under the stars, hiking through beautiful places, backcountry cooking, and learning about the ecosystems and history of our surrounding wilderness.
Teen Leadership Camp Session 2
A 13 day-12 night coed overnight camp session for campers age 14-17. This session will incorporate a 3 day-2 night backpacking trip in the surrounding Sierra Foothills area that may include hiking, river swimming, picnicking, and exploration. This session will also incorporate a 2 day-1 night river rafting trip on the American River. Onsite activities may include art & craft, ceramics, sports, games, music, performance, cooking, swimming, hiking and enjoying our onsite organic farm.
Wombat Camp Session 3 (one week with rafting!)
Where else can you join a band of superheroes, perform a song about purple lasagna (and get a standing ovation), tie-dye your socks, make new friends, play with clay, learn about bugs, and jump in a beautiful river… all in the same day?
Days at camp are full of fun, laughter, friends, food, and choices. We do lots of things together – eating meals, playing all-camp games, singing, going to Mel’s Pond. There’s also times when you get to decide what you want to do – which activity you want to sign up for, which game you want to play, or what you want to do during free time.
Other special events we do at camp include Variety Show Night, dance parties, Jugs (Capture the Flag with some Woolman twists), and BBQs. It doesn’t matter who you are at school or where you are from, at camp the only person you have to impress is yourself!
Family Camp
Family Camp takes place during the week of July 4th and is an opportunity for
families to experience the Woolman Campus, the surrounding area, and enjoy light
programming. Groups can expect swimming, arts, games, special themed activities led by Camp Staff, delicious meals, and optional day trips to surrounding natural areas including hiking and swimming in the beautiful Yuba River. Check out the brochure here!
Wombat Camp Session 2
Where else can you join a band of superheroes, perform a song about purple lasagna (and get a standing ovation), tie-dye your socks, make new friends, play with clay, learn about bugs, and jump in a beautiful river… all in the same day?
Days at camp are full of fun, laughter, friends, food, and choices. We do lots of things together – eating meals, playing all-camp games, singing, going to Mel’s Pond. There’s also times when you get to decide what you want to do – which activity you want to sign up for, which game you want to play, or what you want to do during free time.
Other special events we do at camp include Variety Show Night, dance parties, Jugs (Capture the Flag with some Woolman twists), and BBQs. It doesn’t matter who you are at school or where you are from, at camp the only person you have to impress is yourself!
Teen Leadership Camp Session 1
A 13 day-12 night coed overnight camp session for campers age 14-17. This session will incorporate a 3 day-2 night backpacking trip in the surrounding Sierra Foothills area that may include hiking, river swimming, picnicking, and exploration. This session will also incorporate a 2 day-1 night river rafting trip on the American River. Onsite activities may include art & craft, ceramics, sports, games, music, performance, cooking, swimming, hiking and enjoying our onsite organic farm.
Wombat Camp Session 1
Where else can you join a band of superheroes, perform a song about purple lasagna (and get a standing ovation), tie-dye your socks, make new friends, play with clay, learn about bugs, and jump in a beautiful river… all in the same day?
Days at camp are full of fun, laughter, friends, food, and choices. We do lots of things together – eating meals, playing all-camp games, singing, going to Mel’s Pond. There’s also times when you get to decide what you want to do – which activity you want to sign up for, which game you want to play, or what you want to do during free time.
Other special events we do at camp include Variety Show Night, dance parties, Jugs (Capture the Flag with some Woolman twists), and BBQs. It doesn’t matter who you are at school or where you are from, at camp the only person you have to impress is yourself!
Wilderness First Aid Course
This course will include group demonstrations, skills clinics, and a lot of role-playing. Students will practice patient care on live ‘patients’ in realistic drills and simulations.
This WFA course is designed for 2 comprehensive days of instruction in person.
Students have the option to enhance comprehension by exploring our online course resources. Many students find this better prepares them for hands-on practice during the class.
This Wilderness First Responder Course is hosted by Woolman on our campus located at 13075 Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA.
Instruction will be provided by Natalie Brechtel of Gut-Z-Journey, a certified WMA instructor.
Lunch is included both days, we are able to accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions.
Coming from out of town? email shannonb@woolman.org to book one of our cozy A-frame cabins for the weekend. Breakfast add-on options are available for those who wish to stay for the weekend.
Ceramics Open Studio - Friday Night (adults only)
Experiment with clay or learn a specific skill with guidance from instructors. Great for date nights or emerging artists. All skill levels welcome!
Access to wheels, handbuilding and local wild clay!
Fridays 5-8pm : Adults Only
$50/3 hr session (materials & firing included)
$85/3 hr session for a pair (bring a friend, couples, etc...) use add on when registering.
Additional fees may apply for oversize work, pieces that require special firing, and production pottery. Ask an instructor if you aren't sure if this applies to you.
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Youth Ceramics (May/June Session)
Using foraged wild local clay, participants will learn handbuilding techniques like pinch pot, coiling and slabs during this multi-week course. Projects will be glazed and available for pick up after class.
Perfect for beginners or students with some clay experience!
Age 6-12
May 23, 30, June 6
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30
$112 per person, all materials and snack included
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Ceramics Open Studio - Sunday Afternoon
Experiment with clay or learn a specific skill with guidance from instructors. Great for families, date nights, or emerging artists. All skill levels welcome! Access to wheels, handbuilding and local wild clay!
Sundays 1-4pm : Kids welcome (under 12 accompanied by an adult)
$50/3 hr session (materials & firing included)
$85/3 hr session for a pair (bring a friend, parent & child, couples, etc...) use add on when registering.
Additional fees may apply for oversize work, pieces that require special firing, and production pottery. Ask an instructor if you aren't sure if this applies to you.
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Ceramics Open Studio - Friday Night (adults only)
Experiment with clay or learn a specific skill with guidance from instructors. Great for date nights or emerging artists. All skill levels welcome!
Access to wheels, handbuilding and local wild clay!
Fridays 5-8pm : Adults Only
$50/3 hr session (materials & firing included)
$85/3 hr session for a pair (bring a friend, couples, etc...) use add on when registering.
Additional fees may apply for oversize work, pieces that require special firing, and production pottery. Ask an instructor if you aren't sure if this applies to you.
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Elemental After School
Dates: May 25, June 1, June 8
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Elemental After School is a program dedicated to creative exploration for youth age 6-12.
Woolman’s 240-acre rural camp setting, including forest, trails, streams, and an organic farm, provides a backdrop for this exciting, nature-based program. Activities are rooted in the elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water and incorporate experiential learning, natural materials, collaborative building, skills development, and connection to the land through individual and group projects.
Tuition: $150 per person (includes all materials and supplies)/sibling discounts available
Full and partial scholarships are available! Email morgans@woolman.org for more info.
Woolman is an Educational Vendor for Visions in Education, the Cottonwood School, and Arete Charter Academy.
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Elemental After School is made possible in part with the support of the California Arts Council.
Youth Ceramics (May/June Session)
Using foraged wild local clay, participants will learn handbuilding techniques like pinch pot, coiling and slabs during this multi-week course. Projects will be glazed and available for pick up after class.
Perfect for beginners or students with some clay experience!
Age 6-12
May 23, 30, June 6
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30
$112 per person, all materials and snack included
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Elemental After School
Dates: May 25, June 1, June 8
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Elemental After School is a program dedicated to creative exploration for youth age 6-12.
Woolman’s 240-acre rural camp setting, including forest, trails, streams, and an organic farm, provides a backdrop for this exciting, nature-based program. Activities are rooted in the elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water and incorporate experiential learning, natural materials, collaborative building, skills development, and connection to the land through individual and group projects.
Tuition: $150 per person (includes all materials and supplies)/sibling discounts available
Full and partial scholarships are available! Email morgans@woolman.org for more info.
Woolman is an Educational Vendor for Visions in Education, the Cottonwood School, and Arete Charter Academy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elemental After School is made possible in part with the support of the California Arts Council.
Youth Ceramics (May/June Session)
Using foraged wild local clay, participants will learn handbuilding techniques like pinch pot, coiling and slabs during this multi-week course. Projects will be glazed and available for pick up after class.
Perfect for beginners or students with some clay experience!
Age 6-12
May 23, 30, June 6
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30
$112 per person, all materials and snack included
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Cob Building & Natural Finishes with Sophie Gell
Come help finish a kid-designed clay oven at Woolman, learn about cob construction and natural finishes with natural building expert Sophie Gell. All ages and skill levels welcome!
Free, donations welcome.
Please RSVP so we can plan for materials and send updates before the event.
Decolonizing Non Violent Communication - training led by Meenadchi
Join us for a 4-hour virtual offering focused on teaching Non Violent Communication through a decolonized lens. Meenadchi is a facilitator and somatic practitioner whose DNVC practice lays the groundwork for unpacking internalized systems of oppression, divesting from shame, and finding radiance and care in our communication with ourselves and others. This offering will include instruction, group work and reflection.
Learn more about Meenadchi's practice: www.meenadchi.com
This will be a virtual offering, detailed information and Zoom link will be provided prior.
Sliding scale: $40-$80
Wildflower Walk led by Sandy Kewman (CA Native Plant Society member) and AnnMarie Snell
Enjoy a wildflower walk on the Woolman campus with Sandy Kewman and AnnMarie Snell!
A note from Sandy and AnnMarie:
"I'm a former Woolman Lane neighbor, 2002 to 2019. I'm a member of the California Native Plant Society, Redbud Chapter (Nevada and Placer counties) and love planti identification and propagation. I've benefited from many teachers in CNPS. We will meander from the central campus through the Woolman woods to Mels pond and down Woolman Lane as we see California natives in bloom. Bring your cameras, notebooks and pencils.
Wildflowers of Nevada and Placer Counties, CA, 2007, Redbud Chapter
Trees and Shrubs of Nevada and Placer Counties, CA, 2014, Redbud Chapter both will be available for reference."
$10 donation suggested
If you are coming from out of town and would like to stay overnight please email shannonb@woolman.org to reserve a cabin on campus.
May Volunteer weekend
Help us paint, plant, and prep our campus for summer 2023!
Work begins each day at 10am and ends at 4pm.
Lunch is provided!
Fill out this RSVP form to let us know if you can make it!
Spring Writers Retreat
Join us for a writers' retreat on Woolman's campus. Writers of all experience levels and genres welcome!
The program will combine group sessions with individual writing time.
$275 for the weekend, includes program, single-occupancy lodging, and meals.
email coleenh@woolman.org with any questions.
Youth Ceramics (May session)
Join us for a youth ceramics workshop series, meeting one day a week after school in Nevada City.
Using foraged wild local clay, participants will learn handbuilding techniques like pinch pot, coiling and slabs during this multi-week course. Projects will be glazed and available for pick up after class.
Perfect for beginners or students with some clay experience!
Age 6-12
May 2, 9, 16
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30
$112 per person, all materials and snack included
If workshops don't reach minimum registration numbers, they may be postponed and registrants will be contacted about transfer of fees/refund.
Open Figure Drawing Session
Draw from a live model!
4-6pm
Age 13+
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
$5-10 sliding scale
snacks provided.
No pre-registration required, drop ins welcome!
Bring your own art supplies. All skill levels welcome! No formal instruction provided, this is an open studio with live models.
Wildflower Walk led by Sandy Kewman (CA Native Plant Society member)
Enjoy a wildflower walk on the Woolman campus with Sandy Kewman!
A note from Sandy:
"I'm a former Woolman Lane neighbor, 2002 to 2019. I'm a member of the California Native Plant Society, Redbud Chapter (Nevada and Placer counties) and love planti identification and propagation. I've benefited from many teachers in CNPS. We will meander from the central campus through the Woolman woods to Mels pond and down Woolman Lane as we see California natives in bloom. Bring your cameras, notebooks and pencils.
Wildflowers of Nevada and Placer Counties, CA, 2007, Redbud Chapter
Trees and Shrubs of Nevada and Placer Counties, CA, 2014, Redbud Chapter both will be available for reference.
$10 donation suggested
If you are coming from out of town and would like to stay overnight please email shannonb@woolman.org to reserve a cabin on campus.