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Summer Program

WEEK-LONG RESIDENTIAL CLASSES FROM MAY – OCTOBER
The Summer Program, which runs from May through October, is The Clearing’s oldest and the one that most closely resembles Jensen’s original folk school vision. The mainstay of the Summer Program is week-long classes, with 25 to 35 students and instructors living at The Clearing, eating family-style meals and renewing their spirit through close contact with the native landscape. The Clearing experience is made up of many special components. The classes, sense of community, forests, meadows, water, sunsets, home-cooked meals, traditions and history all blend to create a wonderful place to learn, relax, reflect and make new friends.

2026 Summer Program
Registration Dates Announced

-- GENERAL REGISTRATION --
General Registration Start Date #1: February 26, 2026
Registration for classes held between May 3 and August 1 begins February 26, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

General Registration Start Date #2: February 27, 2026
Registration for classes held between August 2 and November 6 begins February 27, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

On General Registration Start Dates #1 and #2 (see above), an individual may register for him/herself and one other person.

-- LIFE MEMBER REGISTRATION --
Life Member Registration Start Date: February 24, 2026
Friends of The Clearing Life Members may register for all Summer Program classes beginning on February 24, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

On the Life Member Registration Start Date (see above), a Friend of The Clearing Life Member may register for him/herself and one other person who is also a life member.

2027 Summer Program Calendar

Thanks for a fantastic 2026 season! Whether you came to learn, create, explore, or simply enjoy time in the woods, we're grateful you spent part of your summer with us. We're already hard at work planning an inspiring 2027 lineup.

Check back in January for class schedules and registration details. We can't wait to welcome you back!

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

20262027202820292030

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK21 27sep(sep 27)6:00 pm03oct(oct 3)9:00 amFundamentals of Drawing #91John Ribble

WEEK21 27sep(sep 27)6:01 pm03oct(oct 3)9:00 amHike, Bike and Paddle – Autumn #92Kelly King & Bob Bultman

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK21 27sep(sep 27)6:02 pm03oct(oct 3)9:00 amContemporary Paper Weaving #93Carol Heil

WEEK21 27sep(sep 27)6:03 pm03oct(oct 3)9:00 amPersonal Retreat #94

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK22 04oct(oct 4)6:00 pm10(oct 10)9:00 amFigures & Faces in Oils #95Frankie Johnson

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK22 04oct(oct 4)6:01 pm10(oct 10)9:00 amWomen Writers Retreat #96Sharon Nesbit-Davis

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK22 04oct(oct 4)6:02 pm10(oct 10)9:00 amPhotographing Fall Colors with Your iPhone #97Karen Alesch

WEEK22 04oct(oct 4)6:03 pm10(oct 10)9:00 amPersonal Retreat #98

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK23 11oct(oct 11)6:00 pm17(oct 17)9:00 amThe Yoga Of You #99Don Wenig

WEEK23 11oct(oct 11)6:01 pm17(oct 17)9:00 amThe Art of Nature and Outdoor Photography #100Hank Erdmann

WEEK23 11oct(oct 11)6:02 pm17(oct 17)9:00 amGeology & Natural History of Door County & The Niagara Escarpment #101Roger Kuhns, PhD

WEEK23 11oct(oct 11)6:03 pm17(oct 17)9:00 amPersonal Retreat #102

WEEK24 18oct(oct 18)6:00 pm24(oct 24)9:00 amFall Watercolor at The Clearing #103Kari Anderson

WEEK24 18oct(oct 18)6:01 pm24(oct 24)9:00 amSock Study and Open Knitting #104Joan Sheridan

WEEK24 18oct(oct 18)6:02 pm24(oct 24)9:00 amOpen Studio for Woodworkers #105Gene Kenny Curt Wessel

WEEK24 18oct(oct 18)6:03 pm24(oct 24)9:00 amPersonal Retreat #106

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK25 25oct(oct 25)6:00 pm31(oct 31)9:00 amTraditional Quilting Open Studio #107Kathy Swanson

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK25 25oct(oct 25)6:01 pm31(oct 31)9:00 amWoodturning Holiday Gifts #108Rob Nelson

FULL - Join the waitlist!WEEK25 25oct(oct 25)6:02 pm31(oct 31)9:00 amBeginning Blacksmithing #109James Viste

WEEK25 25oct(oct 25)6:03 pm31(oct 31)9:00 amPersonal Retreat #110