Back to School - Folk School That is.

I know some people feel they don't have any amount of creativity or craftiness in there blood, but I guarantee I've found a way for you to feel different about that. It's a place located deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina called John C. Campbell Folk School. This is a place where you can get away from the real world and escape to the world of yesterday. The idea behind this school is to teach people in 5 days a craft or art that has been around for centuries. OK, maybe not all of the subjects they teach have been around for centuries, but most have. The subjects that you can choose from is unlimited. If you like to bake, make glass beads, screen print, wood turn, blacksmith or make pottery that's all there among many, many others to choose from.

I had the pleasure of spending a week there last August and it was a great experience. It was really a retreat as much as a learning experience. You have the ability to work from 8am to midnight if you so desire. The opportunity to produce something great is very much available. Depending on the package you choose you have the option of staying on campus and having them prepare all of your meals for you or you can stay and eat off campus. While the lodgings are basic you don't really spend that much time in them - really only sleeping. The rest of the time is spent working on projects, socializing with other students, taking a walk around the large campus or visiting the artist's studios down on the main street . Every morning they have someone come and tell stories about the history of the school and sing songs. A great way to start the day. In the evening there may be line dancing going on (which is great to just watch if you don't want to participate) or you may stumble on a Bluegrass group jamming in the main hall. There are also demonstrations going on in the different classes every night. That way you can learn something about a subject you thought you would never have interest in like glass bead making. At the end of the week all the classes get together in the main hall and display everything that the students produced - a gallery showing of sorts. Anyway you slice it, it's an experience that you won't get anywhere else. And you won't forget the rest of your life. So the next time you are looking for a vacation that's different consider the John C. Campbell Folk School. Sooner or later I'll be back there myself.