Little Middle

Little Middle Folk School

June 14-20, 2026

Cost: $240.00

Every summer, the Folk School opens its doors to young folks age 7–17 for Little Middle Folk School, an opportunity for youths to discover Appalachian culture and to take part in hands-on programs in dozens of arts and crafts.

Participants are divided into two groups. “Littles” are rising second-graders to rising sixth-graders, and “Middles” are rising seventh-graders to rising 12th graders.

Be sure to register early, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Class offerings will be available soon.

Little Middle class registration will open March 10, 2026.

Little Middle Info

Little middle group shot
  • To qualify for Little, your child must be a minimum age of 7 years old AND a rising 2nd grader
  • To qualify for Middle, your child must be a minimum age of 12 years old AND a rising 7th grader
  • Little Middle classes will take place Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  • Commuting students are required to bring a sack lunch. Lunch is provided only for students staying on campus.
  • Morning song and announcements begin at 8:30 am on Monday, June 15. Class starts at 9:05 am and ends at 3:00 pm. Drop-off and pick-up will be in the Festival Barn for all students. Local students must be picked up by 4:30 pm. at the latest. No aftercare program is available.
  • Confirmation of registration, a materials list, and a class schedule will be emailed after registration.
  • Little/Middle Cancellation Policy: The balance is due and no refunds will be made after May 18, 2026. If a student must be removed from the program due to a discipline problem, no refund will be given.

Little Middle Folk School will take place from June 14-20, 2026

Little Middle will take place from Sunday, June 14 through Saturday, June 20 in 2026. Registration will be available via Configio, our online class registration system. Be sure to register early, as these spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space is limited and we usually reach capacity with a waitlist.

Before registration opens, create your Configio account and add children as “participants” so you can register as soon as applications go live.

Registration will open March 2026.

Create an account on Configio

Fun for adults too!

For families interested in coming to the Folk School as a group, there are several opportunities for adults this week:

Volunteer for Little Middle
Apply as a volunteer and help assist our instructors in delivering this special experience to kids.

Enjoy the Folk School
Bring your unfinished craft projects and gather with new friends to share ideas. Nestle in a rocking chair and read a book. Explore nature trails and our historic campus. There are many ways to relax and rejuvenate in these mountain surroundings.

Interested in volunteering for Little Middle?

Information about volunteering for Little Middle will be available in April 2026.  Stay tuned and check back for the volunteer application link.

Explore workshops at Olive’s Porch

In town for Little Middle? Visit downtown Murphy and check out a new Folk School experience, Olive’s Porch. The location at 27 Peachtree Street features classroom space, a retail shop showcasing the work of Appalachian artists, and a studio space dedicated to the Artist in Residence program. Named after the school’s co-founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch features short workshops focused on traditional Appalachian crafts, music, dance, and community topics designed for locals and visitors. We also host a variety of discussions, demonstrations, artist markets and other community events.

Visit Olive's Porch

Little Middle: News & Stories

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Help Foster a Child’s Learning and Creativity

For only $173, you can help foster a child’s learning and creativity. By providing a scholarship for our week-long Little/Middle Folk School, you can help kids learn about Appalachian culture and explore fun and educational art and craft classes.

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Socks and Sweaters: Expand Your Knitting Horizons with Margaret Radcliffe

Margaret Radcliffe is teaching two Knitting classes next month at the Folk School: My First Sock (Feb. 28 – March 2 / Weekend) and the Easiest Sweaters in the World (March 2-8). Come learn new techniques to take your garment knitting to the next level (or the first level if you are new to socks and sweaters). I chatted with Margaret about Knitting, the Folk School, and what it is like to write about Knitting. Enjoy our interview!

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Two Blacksmiths are Living at my House

The following is a post by local blogger, Tipper Wilson Pressley. Visit Tipper’s blog, Blind Pig & the Acorn about all things Appalachia.

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Jan Recaps Little Middle 2010

The Folk School recently completed Little Folk School and Middle Folk School–“Little Middle” or “L/M” as it looms on our planning calendars.  There were 284 students: 156 Little (age 7-12) and 128 Middle (age 13-17), mostly locals, in 26 classes with 30 amazing teachers and a 37-member volunteer crew.

Locate & Contact

Please contact our Programs Department for more information around Little Middle.

The John C. Campbell Folk School

Programs Department

1.800.FOLK.SCH (365-5724)

Mailing Address
One Folk School Road
Brasstown, NC 28902

Email Us

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