Upcoming Events
- 205-387-1806
- wonderful@campmcdowell.org
Upcoming Events
All are welcome.
If you are interested in having your own event at the McDowell Camp and Conference Center in the future, please complete a Registration Request Form or contact us at wonderful@campmcdowell.org; 205-387-1806.
Summer Camp on Clear Creek 2025
Open to entering 1st - 12th graders. Registration is now open!
Since 1923, Camp McDowell has been fostering a welcoming, Christian community in which an enthusiastic staff supports young people's growth and development of an abiding respect for each other and the world around them. At Camp McDowell we show the way the world could be through worship, learning, rest, and play in the beauty of God’s Backyard.
Summer Camp at Bethany Village 2025
Summer Camps at Bethany Village is a new addition to the McDowell Summer Camp Department. Summer Camp Sessions in Bethany Village include Bethany’s Kids, Special Session, and Youth Folk Camp. Although the Bethany Village Summer Camp Program is new, Special Session has been operating since 1998 at Camp McDowell. In 2015, a whole new section of camp was added, called Bethany Village. All buildings in Bethany Village are ADA compliant and the roads are paved to accommodate our campers with different needs and give them the opportunity to experience camp like our temporarily able friends.
Youth Folk Camp 2025
July 26, 2025 - July 29, 2025
Join us for Youth Folk Camp – our only Alabama Folk School workshop designed for rising 5th-12th graders. Youth Folk Camp is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, farming, craft skills, and more! Campers may choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by experienced musicians and artists.
September Sampler 2025
September 6, 2025 9am
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
Old-Time & Gee's Bend 2025
October 9, 2025 4pm - October 12, 2025 1pm
At Old Time & Gee’s Bend, quilters, painters, and blacksmiths pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in Old-Time classes, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians and jam sessions. This year, we’re excited to have Sami Braman returning to teach a new Fiddle III class, as well as Kay Justice returning for Guitar and Harmony Singing. We are also excited for the return of painting workshops with Howard Rains.
Afternoon mini classes give all participants a chance to take part in learning something totally new. Guests are also welcome to spend their free time exploring the beautiful nature that surrounds Camp McDowell. At night, all attendees are invited to a concert led by our talented instructors, with an occasional square dance, too! 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.
Registration Opens June 2025.
Creative Retreat 2025
November 6, 2025 4pm - November 9, 2025 1pm
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.