Join us for Youth Folk Camp – our only Alabama Folk School workshop series designed for rising 5th-12th graders. YFC is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, farming, craft skills, and more! Campers choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by experienced farmers, musicians, and artists. Some experience with violin, guitar, or banjo is recommended for music majors. Campers who choose farming for their major should select a different subject for their minor.

• Ages: rising 5th - 12th graders

• Cost: $425 (need based scholarships are available)

• Registration closes July 7th, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Registration Open Now!

September Sampler offers a sample of all the Alabama Folk School has to offer. During this one-day event, crafters and true beginners alike can find something to love. Students sign up for one of several class options and will enjoy an included lunch with live music. Tuition also includes the majority of supplies needed. We’re excited to welcome back Sarah Ward with Heirloom Pie Making as well as Cameron Strouss teaching her popular tea blending class.

Registration Opens June 2025

Cost for Workshop & Lunch Per Person: $100-$150

At Old Time & Gee’s Bend, painting, ceramics, and blacksmithing students pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in Old-Time workshops, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians and community jam sessions. Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway will simultaneously host their famous quilting retreat. This year, we’re excited to have Sami Braman returning to teach a new Fiddle III workshop, as well as Kay Justice returning for Guitar and Harmony Singing. We are also excited for the return of painting workshops with Howard Rains and to introduce Brian Cooley to the AFS community with his introductory ceramics workshop.

Thank you for your patience as we implement Camp McDowell's new registration system. We plan to open registration in early July. If you have any questions, please contact us at afsregistrar@campmcdowell.org.

The Alabama Folk School's Creative Retreat offers a restful weekend with the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in the fall. Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to rest and create. In the past, participants have brought sewing, woodworking, and writing projects or have simply spent their time reading, hiking, and resting. The time is your own! We’ll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet spaces to work and rest, and evening refreshments.

Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Parsley Commons lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Thursday supper and ending with Sunday lunch.

Save the Date!

Workshops and details coming soon.

Save the Date!

Workshops and details posted fall of 2025

Save the Date!

Workshops and details coming fall of 2025.