Woolman at Sierra Friends Center, located in Nevada City, Calif., seeks to inspire and prepare individuals to work for peace, justice, and environmental sustainability, and to deepen their personal and spiritual growth. For six decades, youth have come to Woolman to experience belonging and radical acceptance, connect with nature, and learn how to use their power to address the issues they care about. Today Woolman offers educational programming for youth and adults, and retreat spaces for groups and individuals. The 240-acre rural camp setting of forest, trails, streams, and an organic farm provides the backdrop for programs. In addition to fostering connection with nature, the land tells a rich and complex history, including the near genocide of the Nisenan people and gold mining operations whose environmental impacts are still evident today. Exploring these issues builds awareness and capacity for activism.
This year, Camp Woolman served 93 campers with residential sessions that included backpacking excursions. Woolman Outdoor School hosted 56 seventh graders from San Francisco Friends School, facilitating environmental awareness and activism through hands-on learning. Woolman Arts offered workshops for adults and youth, including an afterschool arts program.
Initiatives in development include specialty camp sessions; a year-long activist fellowship intensive; artists’ residencies; and Conversations for Change, through which dialogue to foster understanding and justice will be facilitated.
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