Friends,
All of my kids went to various summer camps. When I was a kid, I went to summer camp. Now its my turn again. There are “Fantasy baseball Camps” for adults with a passion for baseball. My wife is a quilter. There are cruises for quilters. Wow!
So what about woodworkers? Are there any woodworking camps for adults? I am not thinking about schools at which you make a Windsor chair in a week, but rather a place that is well stocked in woodworking tools, to which woodworkers can go and make projects in an environment with other woodworkers.
If I close my eyes, I can picture an idyllic setting in the Adirondacks (spelling?) with a giant barn-like structure that has a large air-conditioned room with about 20 set-ups like Norm’s and about 20 set-ups for the Neanderthals. (This camp does not discriminate.) Every night, by the campfire, there are contests at which the prizes are Lie Nielsen planes and Veritas router tables. The mess hall would have photos of the great woodworkers throughout history.
I forgot to mention that the nightly campfire would burn natural gas. It wouldn’t be right to burn wood in front of this group.
Are there any woodworking camps in the world?????
I sure would like to go to a woodworking camp.
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Replies
Mel,
When you open your camp (as I am sure no such utopia could currently exist) perhaps you might consider fueling the campfire with scrap and mistakes (thereby destroying evidence and allowing campers to return home with a clear conscience and no fears of future blackmail).
Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Rennie,WHAT MISTAKES? Don't your handmade dovetails fit on the first try, every time, with nothing more than gently manual pressure and no need for light paring with finely honed chisels?????. Don't you measure twice and cut once????? Mistakes, what are you talking about? :-) MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
WHAT MISTAKES?
Exactly what my statement would be knowing they had been reduced to ashes.Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright
Hey Rennie,
Great news. I just got the latest issue of FWW (#186), and it has officially negated future woodworking mistakes. It shows how to fix seven common joinery problems. I used to worry about making mistakes. Now there is nothing left to worry about. Guess I can stop taking my blood pressure medicine, and stop buying extra wood for each project. Life will be simpler, less costly, and carefree. FWW has changed my life. Is there any chance we can declare it a church and write off the subscription fee as donation?
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
I received my "Built In" today, two days after it appeared on the local store shelf - so much for advance buying. #186 has not yet arrived. May I reserve judgment until then?Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright
Mel,
Check out this link.
http://www.esartschool.com/schedule.htm
I have taken 2 classes taught by Doug Stowe who has been published by
Taunton Press.
Scenery is beautiful, class is air conditioned, shop is well equipped and Eureka Springs is wonderful. To top it off, Doug is a great teacher and has very enjoyable classes.
I took my first one thinking I would learn a few new things-boy was I wrong! I learned a lot!!
Bob
Check out Peters Valley in Layton, New Jersey:
http://www.pvcrafts.org/
Sue
I don't know how their schedules coincide with yours, but there are several schools in which woodworkers learn new skills among kindred spirits. I cannot say how idyllic any of them are, but who knows - you could be pleasantly surprised!
http://www.woodschool.org/
http://www.crfinefurniture.com
http://www.davidcharlesworth.com.uk/
http://www.kellymehler.com
http://www.woodworkeracademy.com
http://home.pacbell.net/ebeniste/school.htm
http://www.marcadams.com
Please let us know if you find a really cool one!
By the way, for a REALLY cool experience, there's a woodworker's trip that I'm saving up for: The annual Kezouro-Kai trip to woodworking sites in Japan (coordinated by Hida Tool http://www.hidatool.com ).
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Edited 8/9/2006 10:45 pm by jazzdogg
Jazzdogg, Suzycarpenter, and Triplenet,Thank you very much for your suggestions. They are exactly what I was looking for. Rather than look through catalogs, I wanted to hear from knowledgeable folks. I am in no rush. I am 62 and am closing in on retirement. Next summer looks good. As the song goes: "Time is on my side. Yes it is. Yes it is." I will look up each of your suggestions. My mind has always had a mind of its own. Someday I'd like to see a thread on what woodworkers actually think about when they are sanding. Right now, my mind has decided to focus in on envisioning an unreasonably idyllic woodworking camp. Somehow two thoughts popped in. One was thousands of experimental aviation enthusiasts showing up in Oshkosh each year for a week of festivities. Another was thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descending on Daytona Beach each year for a week of festivities. Think about the possibility of thousands of woodworking enthusiasts descending on some town for a week of festivities every year. OK, now we have to pick a town. Carmel, Santa Fe, Bermidji, Melbourne, Lubbock, Harrisonburg? Think of the possibilities.MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
"My mind has always had a mind of its own."
Hi Mel,
Too funny. Made me think of a funny-but-true line I heard somewhere: "Don't believe everything you think!"
As I recall, There's supposed to be a fabulous art-centric program with a strong woodworking component at Anderson Ranch in Colorado.
When I'm sanding I ususally get great ideas - the 88% of my brain that's subconscious pours forth all kinds of unsorted content when the 12% that's allegedly in charge is idle; same thing happens while showering, but in the workshop I'm generally bathing in sawdust and perspiration instead of soap and water.
Perhaps businessmen and politicians should sand more often: "We have a crisis in the middle east; send Condi and Rumsfeld out to the woodshop; have them hand-sand some hardwood or french polish a tabletop until some useable ideas emerge."
Don't make war: make sawdust!
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Jazzdogg,
Taking your thinking one step further, maybe we should have Boss Crunk and Forestgirl replace Rumsfeld and Condi. The FWW staff will take over at the Dept. of State. Mandatory shop class in school and at work. Everyone must sand. World Peace through woodwork. Peace Plan signed by all after US Government declares that each country signing the pact will get 10,000 Delta Unisaws.MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
"OK, now we have to pick a town. Carmel, Santa Fe, Bermidji, Melbourne, Lubbock, Harrisonburg?"
Before someone gets the bright idea that such an event could evolve into a Route 66 woodworker's confab, we should all stop and think: does anyone really want to be in Kingman, Barstow, or San Bernadino?
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Don't forget the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockland, Maine. Went there last year for a class taught by Philip Lowe. Learned a ton, and the Maine coast is wonderful --
Hi SStout,
I've heard great things about the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockland, Maine. Among others, I believe wood carver Chris Pye teaches there every summer.
I've never met Philip Lowe, but have grown to admire him through his writings and videos; I imagine an opportunity to learn from him in person would be too good to pass up.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
There are a couple of schools in Maine on the mid-coast. I don't know if it gets any more idyllic. One school, Haystack, is more oriented towards art and crafts. Not so much furniture but more along the lines of sculpture and design.
http://www.haystack-mtn.org/index.php
Shelter institute has classes on timberframing
http://www.shelterinstitute.com/
The center for Furniture craftsmanship is also on the mid-coast in Rockland. Just up the road from Lie Neilsens.
http://www.woodschool.org/
If wooden boat building is of interest
http://www.atlanticchallenge.com/apprenticeshop/index.shtm
Here is a list of schools. I'm sure there are many more.
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Crafts/Woodcraft/Woodworking/Schools_and_Instruction/
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
?Mistakes? I don't make mistrakes, I make variations.
Or, as another poster once said, "It's not a mistake, it's rustic."Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright
Mistakes???? Naaaaw...just another opportunity to re-evaluate the design.... ;-)Tschüß!
Mit freundlichen holzbearbeitungischen Grüßen!
James
OH, thats great! The mistakes/variations comment. I love it! I wonder---can I charge extra for "variations" ?
"Un-intended Variations extra"
What a wonderful world it would be!
Is it variation or re-engineering?
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
I highly recommend the Penland School of Crafts: http://www.penland.org/
They have a summer program of instruction in a wide variety of craft disciplines from textiles to blacksmithing to pottery, iron, woodworking and glassblowing...you name it. Lots of interaction between folks in the different areas. The instructors are top notch... I was fortunate enough to be in Tage Frid's class there in '94. Sessions are 1 or 2 weeks. The shop is open 24/7, so if you want you can cut wood all night long. The location is gorgeous... in the mountains of western N. Carolina, about 50 mi north of Asheville. Everyone eats in a big ole dining hall...it really is just like summer camp for adults. Seems like the cost has gone up in recent years... it was pretty affordable when I attended back in '91 and '94.
http://www.hobbsfurniture.com My Better Half and I spent a week with Ben and Jackie Hobbs, the best vacation we ever had!
Ben teaches woodworking and Jackie runs a B&B on the premises.
Check out Knots thread 30163.1. Calvin is one of their 4 sons. Ben advertises in FWW under Classified, Instruction, Benjamin Hobbs. He was featured in a FWW issue a few years ago.
Pete
I've not attended his classes but spent a delighful time staying in one of his restore colonial period "village" homes and discussing his program and teaching philosophy. Definitiely a unique experience and learning opportunity.
I offer the following as an alternative - Marc Adams School of Woodworking. marcadams.com.
I have been to 7, 1 week sessions (5 days, M-F) and will keep going back.The variety of subjects taught by top talent is amazing. Things must be OK as the "re-up" rate is about 95%. The cornfields of Indiana is NOT the Adirondaks but it is peaceful. This is not a project school, but a technique school.
Frosty
I agree about Marc Adams. I've been to 5. The selection of instructors are people who not only know the craft but are good teachers and are sensitive to the various levels of skill in any class. They have always been interested in learning about the ways each of us developed to solve the problems on our own. One evening Marc gave a lecture on 5 ways to deal with mistakes. The last one being: "the chances are only you will know they are there!"
Edited 8/11/2006 9:55 am ET by dherzig
Jfrostjr
Thank you for the suggestion. I followed up and read the entire website. Looks very interesting, and dherzig and DougF supported your suggestion. I am planning for next summer so I have time. I never expected the number of responses that I got. I didn't have any idea that there were so many woodworking schools in the US. The "re-up" rate for Marc Adams school is very impressive.
Again thank you.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
Drop me a note and let me know when you plan to attend and which course you've chosen. You never know, one in a hundred chance, but maybe - just maybe - I might join you.Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright
Mel,
Have you looked into the Campbell school in NC? Buddy of mine has taught a couple windsor chair classes there. It sounds like a neat place, with music and dancing (other classes at the same place) in the evenings, etc.
I've met Mr Hobbs, at the Waterford Fair. He and his wife are nice folks, and he's a passable (ha!) craftsman. Actually, he's pretty dam' good, I looked at his work real close...
Ray
Ray,
Thank you very much. I will look into the Campbell school. By the way, you said that you are going to be in a show in the Dulles area soon. When is it? Did I miss it?
Thanks,
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
First weekend in Oct (7-8-9?). In Waterford, off hwy9, outside of Leesburg.
Ray
Ray,
Thank you. If at all possible, my wife and I will be at the Waterford show.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
I'll look forward to meeting you.
Ray
If you choose to try Marc Adams, remember that classes fill up fast. Registration starts for "newbies" on Dec. 1st; all April classes are reserved for them as well. Of course you can sign for any other that is not already filled by Alims.Good luck and enjoy woodworking.Frosty
jfrostjr,
OK. That is important info. I am not exactly a newbie, but I'd like to switch places with a 21 year old. I have been woodworking for about 35 years, and am self-taught. I continue to study many of the standard texts andcontinue to make furniture, carving, decorative painting (Bauernmalerei, Rosemaling) , antique restoration, a five-foot tall, five-story dollhouse, etc. However, I could fill a volume with the titles of the areas I have no experience at. As retirement nears, I want to hone the skills that I have and to get some more. From the descriptions of the schools that I have already been given, my main problem will be figuring which I'll do first.
Again, thank you.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Sorry for the late response. When I mentioned "newbie" I was not referring to woodworking experience, but rather to 'first timers' at Marc's school. The re-up rate was so high that the intention was to provide access for those who had not been able to secure a spot in a class.Frosty
Frosty,
I certainly was not offended by your message. When you used the term "newbie", it reminded me of the time about 5 years ago when I went into a bar and was carded. At 57 (at the time), I was delighted. Now I enjoy walking up to McDonalds and asking for a "senior coffee". Now that McDonald's upgraded their coffee, it is worth stopping there.
Enjoy.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Life is full of small pleasures.I too find fewer things to take offense at.Frosty
Having taught at and visited several schools, and with an awareness of many of the rest, I'd suggest you contact Mike and Dana at American Sycamore Woodworker's Retreat. While they certainly do have the traditional classes, two things set them apart:
They have lodge style housing on site, at the wood's edge, with a hay field out in front and a fine fire pit, as well as a fire pit and grill at the main shop and Lodge. Dana does a lot of the cooking, and it is comfort food better than Mom's.
Secondly, Mike is known to have folks come in and stay for up to a couple of weeks while he helps them build whatever, or just provides space and equipment. They are sponsored by Delta/Porter-Cable, Whiteside, Lie-Neilson, DeWalt and others, so there is more equipment than one can use, and plenty of know how, should you need it.
Summer Camp it is, with lumber, equipment, comfortable beds (no bunk beds!), good food, and camaraderie. And you can set your own pace.
http://www.americansycamoreretreat.com/
Dave S
Acornw,
thank you for the suggestion of American Sycamore Retreat. I looked it up, as I looked up each of the other suggestions that was made, and I am overwhelmed. Good thing I have time til next summer to make up my mind. This list of schools in this thread will be useful to many hobbyist woodworkers like myself for a while to come. I really had no idea so much was available. And some of them really look like "summer camp".
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
I have not taken one of Ernie Conovers class yet ! But I have seen what He's all about at some local events. Check out http://www.conoverworkshops.com I'am sure you will find site interesting. Located in NE Ohio
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce,
I looked up the Conover website, and you are right. It looks excellent. It is going to be difficult to choose. One thing is for certain, the list of schools and their websites that this thread is generating will be very useful to a number of people. Thank you for your suggestion.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
If you read Fine Woodworking, You will notice that Ernie Conover is a contributor to the magazine.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce,
Not only is Ernie Conover a contributor to Fine Woodworking, he is one of the team on "Ask the Experts". If you Google Ernie Conover, you will find pages and pages of hits. Ernie is well known and well respected. I read his entire website. He has a beautiful array of woodworking courses, and to complement that, he has some DVDs so that you can learn at home. Susan Conover teaches fiber arts at the school, and the school has been operating since 1980, The Conovers have had students from every state in the union and every province in Canada. There is no doubt about it. They have a formidable program.I'd like to see FWW do a piece on the woodworking schools throughout the US. I am absolutely blown over by the number and quality of these schools.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
I've taken a couple of week-long classes at Marc Adams' woodworking school, just south of Indianapolis. In many ways it was like camp, way back when. I enjoyed the classes very much. I suggest you go to his website and look at the classes he offers. One warning: they get filled up quickly and they give first-shot to previous students. To get into the joinery class (one of his most popular) I called at precisely the day and time registration began and barely made it...
Bgray,
you are about the third person to recommend the Marc Adams school, and all are enthusiastic about it. It must be good. Thank you.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
camp for kids ?
So, I see you have had some great replys. I have a nine year old who has liked working with wood since he was 3. I see a lot of summer camos have wood shop. But do you know which ones have really good programs? Do any stand out ? I know this does not answer your question -- but I figure an adult who wants to go back to summer camp might know.
Julian,
The thread you responded to is from 2006. I had forgotten about it completely. Now I remember. It was a lot of fun, and I got some good responses. Unfortunately, I don't know of any woodworking camps for kids or for adults. I wish you a lot of luck and hope you find one. Thanks for bringing back some good old memories.
Mel
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