The Ocrafolk School, a fall 'camp for grownups' on Ocracoke Island, is accepting registrations for its sixth year of week-long workshops and activities for adults. Classes offered this year are "Island Cooking" w/chef Debbie Wells, "The Ocracoke Sampler" w/local historian Philip Howard, Capt. Rob Temple and Ranger Dave Frum, "Woodcarving" w/Frank Boyd , "Exploring Ocracoke Music" w/Gary Mitchell (of the band Molasses Creek), and "Wellness Week" with Ann Ehringhaus. All classes are limited to 6-8 students, and the registration deadline is Sept. 24.

2012 CLASSES

Cooking ~ Debbie Wells is a local chef of renown, originator of Ocracoke's popular "Back Porch Restaurant" and author of its cookbook. Her "Island Cooking" class will emphasize local seafood, other meats, some old-time Ocracoke specialties, vegetables, special guests and wonderful desserts. Every year students have a special outing, which has included a 'garage lunch' with locals, a visit to the local fish house and a clamming trip. 

Wood Carving ~ This class with master carver and teacher Frank Boyd, is designed for everyone, beginner to advanced. Come create a hand-carved wooden spoon, a coffee scoop, an old world Santa or sailor, a wood spirit, a hound dog, a hiking stick, a dancing doll, or a wearable wooden whittling. Join us for a wonderful week of creative carving in community. 

Wellness Week ~  This is new course at Ocrafolk School this year. Instructor Ann Ehringhaus is certified in Chinese Acupressure, Rosen Method bodywork, and is a Reiki Teaching Master. Students will explore various ways to support personal health and wellness, including Ch’i Gung breathing exercises and gentle movement; Chinese acupressure with partners, for releasing neck, shoulder, and face tension; and a group discussion with several Ocracoke massage therapists. We will also have one day combined with the Ocrafolk Cooking class, with a focus on learning some simple, healthy recipes as we enjoy a delicious lunch together. 

Exploring Ocracoke Music ~ Ocracoke Island is known for having quite a vibrant music scene. In the "Exploring Ocracoke Music" class with Gary Mitchell of the nationally reknown band Molasses Creek, students will spend the week 'behind the scenes' exploring and visiting the musicians, rehearsals, recording studios, history, venues and local radio that make it all happen. No musical experience is necessary, but certainly welcome.

Ocracoke Sampler ~ Philip Howard, eighth generation islander, joins Capt. Rob Temple and ranger Dave Frum to bring alive Ocracoke history in the "Ocracoke Sampler" class. Students will hear island stories, see fifty-year-old Ocracoke home movies, be guided through ancient family cemeteries, read original Life Saving Service shipwreck logs, sail on the schooner Windfall 2, sing sea-chanteys, listen to traditional ghost tales, tour a preserved maritime forest, and much more. 

The school, which began in 2007, is held yearly in October and includes workshops which explore island history, culture, food, art, music and crafts through hands on activities. In addition to the classes, students participate in group meals, music and other events throughout the course of the week.