Join us for the first-ever Farm to Fork 5k! Starting at the McDowell Farm School barn, the route will follow along wooded paths, paved camp roads and finish at the famous fork in the road. Afterward, the Climbing Wall and Giant Swing will be open to the public. Snacks and water refills will be provided and optional T-shirts will be sold at the camp store. If you love running or walking outside in the beautiful spring environment, then come join us! The 5K is open to all levels and ages with a maximum of 80 participants – so register soon!

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Join us for Youth Folk Camp - our only Alabama Folk School Workshop designed just for rising 5th-12th graders. Youth Folk Camp is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, pottery, painting, and more! Campers may choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by master musicians and artists. Some experience with violin, guitar, or banjo is required for music class majors. Beginner students may select music classes as their minor. Click the registration link to save your spot today.

• Ages: 5th - 12th graders
• Cost: $370

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Open to entering 1st - 12th graders. Registration opens on December 1st.

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. The Summer Camp program's mission is to spread the gospel by lifting up intentional camp community, the care of creation, the gift of inclusion, and the joy of creativity and play.

SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

Connecting with your family to nature and to a farm.

Growing Roots is a Family event at Camp McDowell for all ages. This can be a powerful and meaningful chance to create a lifelong bond with your children by sharing nature with them.

Activities may include:

• Learn and get excited about Nature and Farming together with your children or grandchildren.
• Discover what's unique about Alabama as you wade the streams and hike in sandstone canyons with geologists.
• Create art using natural resources.
• Swim and tube the waters of Clear Creek and in our zero-entry pool.
• Awake in the morning and do farm chores together...milk goats, gather eggs, feed farm animals, & pick blueberries for cobbler!

Cost depends on choice of lodging and includes 4 meals.

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Learn how to effectively build an inclusive community within your classroom by learning the answer to this: How do we build inclusion and opportunities for social and emotional learning through intentional choices?

In this an interactive workshop we will:

• Investigate ways to include social and emotional growth in any classroom or organization.
• Learn how to create a place where students can develop their social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, self-awareness, and self-management.
• Build a classroom that is more successful academically because of the buy-in your students have for you, their community, and their coursework.

Continuing education credits can be earned. Cost depends upon the lodging you choose. Four meals are included.

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Join us for a shorter sampling of Folk School offerings. Come for the day for Saturday’s classes or stay the night to enjoy all Camp McDowell has to offer including hiking and canoeing on Clear Creek.

Registration coming soon!

Farm Folk Weekend is your chance to experience the best of Camp McDowell's farm and folk programs. Bring the folks you love to Camp McDowell for a fabulous Labor Day weekend filled with fresh air, farm food, folk classes, fellowship, and more! Taught and facilitated by instructors from the McDowell Farm School and the Alabama Folk School, this is an amazing weekend, full of learning and community. Stay tuned for more information about classes and to register.

Registration coming soon!

During this workshop quilters and artists practice in a beautiful, encouraging atmosphere while others fully immerse themselves in old-time music, their days and nights filled with classes taught by master musicians, jam sessions, concerts, and group performances. Participants register for one class that includes six in-depth sessions in that discipline. Afternoon mini-classes give participants a chance to learn a brand new instrument.

In-depth classes offered in this session include Fiddle I & II, Banjo I & II, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmony Singing, Repertoire, Blacksmithing, and Gee's Bend Quilting.

INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Calling all 5th & 6th graders! It’s all the fun of SUMMER CAMP...in the fall! Join us in Clear Creek (“Lower Camp”) for group games, hiking, singing, s'mores and friends! Halloween costumes are encouraged for the Pasture Party and friends are ALWAYS welcome! Dinner is served at 6:30p Friday. We will have a closing worship service with Eucharist Sunday at 9:00 am. All family members and guardians are welcome to attend. Join us for this awesome weekend at wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell!

Cost: $135 per person

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Fall at Camp McDowell might be the loveliest time of all. Join us for a weekend full of music, art, and community including pie baking from scratch, ceramics, and more.

Registration coming soon!

All combinations of families are invited for a special weekend of fresh air, farm food, and quality time in the beauty of God's Backyard! Spend time together as you harvest vegetables and feed the pigs, cut firewood, prepare and share a farm to table meal, learn sustainable practices for home, and enjoy a “Garden to Glass” class (while the kids are at "Kids Camp"). Family Farm to Table Retreat is a beautiful and fun way to reconnect with God’s creation and each other the weekend before Thanksgiving! Recommended for 1st grade and up.

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