New Name • New Location • Same Great Music Camp
Formerly Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering
A weekend of music with plenty of opportunities to share, jam, dance, and learn.
Our Music Camp
Musical Fun
Pennsylvania Folk Gathering (formerly Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering) is a friendly weekend of playing, singing, jamming, dancing and listening to folk music in the relaxed setting of a beautiful state park. There are activities for all levels from non-musician to advanced players, and all ages from mature children through adult are welcome. Forty-three different workshops in 8 time-slots cover a wide range of musical styles and interests, from Irish Tunes to Try a Ukulele to How to Play Melodies You Don’t Know to Hymn Singing, plus much more. Enjoy two concerts, a contradance, plus lots of formal and informal opportunities to jam.
Friendly
One of the unique features of Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is the small size and friendly atmosphere. We are all here to learn, share and enjoy the music, and our musical faculty have been chosen to encourage each of us to learn and share in a positive environment. Small workshop sizes permit open interaction with the faculty and with each other, giving the opportunity for everyone to learn from each other
Do You Play Music Alone?
Do you look to play with others but are nervous to go to a music camp? Join us at Pennsylvania Folk Gathering 2024, and we will be that supportive community that you need --a comfortable and safe place to grow musically. We pride ourselves on being a "fun and friendly weekend," and we mean it! Just take a look at this comment from a past attendee, Judy Minot: "Making music together in a welcoming, encouraging environment — what could be better? I've learned so much, in the workshops, in the jams, at lunch, everywhere!” We have workshops at all levels--from non-musicians (our "Try A" workshops) to advanced levels. Check out the full schedule. We hope you will join us!
Play in a Band
Saturday night after the concert, we'll hold a contradance, with caller Bob Nicholson. All are welcome to dance, (even if you've never tried it before), and all instrumentalists are welcome to play in an open band. Sheet music will be provided. We'll have a rehearsal during one of the workshop time-slots, but it's fine to play with the band even if you skip the rehearsal.
Location
The Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is located at Camp Blue Diamond, tucked in the mountains near Petersburg, PA. Located midway between State College and Huntingdon within Rothrock State Forest, Camp Blue Diamond is a year-round, ACA accredited, camp and retreat center. Camp Blue Diamond offers a lodge, workshop facilities, cabins, and space for tent camping. Please see the important Driving Directions below.
Hear What Others Say
This was the best weekend anyone can have. Loved it hope to be back again in 2024. –Linda
My friend and I attended for the first time and I really can’t articulate what a truly wonderful and fruitful weekend we had. Apart from the flat out fun we had, the workshops and jams were most fortifying and everyone we dealt with was not only welcoming and helpful but so generous with their time and considerable talents. It was a weekend that we will remember forever and plan on never missing! –Dave
Camp Blue Diamond
Driving Directions to Camp Blue Diamond
Please Read Below – So You Don’t Get Lost!
Camp Blue Diamond (CBD) is midway between State College and Huntingdon within Rothrock State Forest. It is on Diamond Valley Rd., 7 miles NE of Petersburg, or 3 miles N of Cottage (Rt. 305) on Globe Run Rd.
For the best directions to CBD read below. It is not difficult to get to Camp, but do not rely solely on GPS. Since CBD is within a forest, some roads are only suitable for logging trucks. You can locate CBD with Google Maps, just type in ‘Camp Blue Diamond’. This will give you a very accurate map.
From State College, PA (Northeast)
Travel south on State Rt. 26 from State College to Pine Grove Mills. In Pine Grove Mills turn left (staying on State Rt. 26) and travel over Tussey Mountain. About three miles down the mountain take the first paved road to the right. This is Charter Oak Rd. Travel about seven miles to Mooresville (you will pass Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and Stone Valley). In Mooresville this road veers to the right and becomes State Rt. 305 West (Shavers Creek Rd.). To continue take either Back or Front Entrance to CBD
Back Entrance: (gravel/rough road) – If there is no snow this road is a lot shorter (3 miles). If the road is snow or ice covered you will need a 4-Wheel drive vehicle.)
One mile after Mooresville on State Rt. 305 you will see a sign for the back entrance to camp. Turn right onto Globe Run Rd. Travel 1 mile to a 4-way stop, go straight. Follow this road about 1 mile until it runs into Diamond Valley Rd. (paved). Go straight onto Diamond Valley Rd. (Do not turn right and go over bridge onto PA Furnace Rd.) Take Diamond Valley Rd. less than 1 mile to CBD. Once at Camp go around the lake and past the Rising Sun and Lakeside Cabins. Turn right onto the gravel camp road at the Directors’ House, Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the house.
Front Entrance: (paved road – Take in snowy/icy weather) About five miles beyond Mooresville on State Rt. 305 (just before Petersburg) you will see a sign for CBD. Turn right onto Diamond Vly. Rd.
Travel ¼ mile on this road, cross a bridge, and turn left at the fork, remaining on Diamond Valley Rd. Travel about one mile. You will come to another fork, turn right. You are still on Diamond Valley Rd, and about 5 miles from CBD. You have entered Rothrock State Forest. Stay on the paved Diamond Valley Road. You will arrive at CBD. Once at camp turn left at the Director’s House, this is Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the Directors’ House.
(Warning for those coming from Tyrone or State College: Do not take PA Furnace Rd. off of State Rt. 45 to get to Camp Blue Diamond. GPS devices or Google directions may give this route; this road is impassable. Instead, follow the Directions given above).
From Tyrone, PA (North)
From Tyrone (or I-99) travel south on Rt. 453 about 10 miles to U.S. Rt. 22 at Waterstreet. Turn left onto Rt. 22. About 1 mile after Waterstreet, turn left. There will be a CBD sign and an Alexandria sign. Take this road into Alexandria (about 2 miles). In Alexandria this road becomes St. Rt. 305.
Travel on State Rt. 305 through Alexandria to Petersburg. As you leave Petersburg, take the first paved road to the left. This is Diamond Valley Rd.
Travel ¼ mile on this road, cross a bridge, and turn left at the fork, remaining on Diamond Valley Rd. Travel about one mile. You will come to another fork, turn right. You are still on Diamond Valley Rd, and about 5 miles from CBD. You have entered Rothrock State Forest. Stay on the paved Diamond Valley Road. You will arrive at CBD. Once at camp turn left at the Director’s House, this is Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the Directors’ House.
(Warning for those coming from Tyrone or State College: Do not take PA Furnace Rd. off of State Rt. 45 to get to Camp Blue Diamond. GPS devices or Google directions may give this route; this road is impassable. Instead, follow the Directions given above).
From Altoona, PA (West)
Travel east on U.S. Rt. 22 from Altoona. About 1 mile after Waterstreet, turn left. There will be a CBD sign and an Alexandria sign. Take this road into Alexandria, where it becomes State Rt. 305.
Travel on State Rt. 305 through Alexandria to Petersburg. As you leave Petersburg, take the first paved road to the left. This is Diamond Valley Rd.
Travel ¼ mile on this road, cross a bridge, and turn left at the fork, remaining on Diamond Valley Rd. Travel about one mile. You will come to another fork, turn right. You are still on Diamond Valley Rd, and about 5 miles from CBD. You have entered Rothrock State Forest. Stay on the paved Diamond Valley Road. You will arrive at CBD. Once at camp turn left at the Director’s House, this is Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the Directors’ House.
From Huntingdon, PA (South)
Travel west on U.S. Rt. 22 from Huntingdon. About 7 miles after Huntingdon turn right (east) into Alexandria on St. Rt. 305. Travel on Rt. 305 through Alexandria to Petersburg. As you leave Petersburg, take the first paved road to the left. This is Diamond Valley Rd.
Travel ¼ mile on this road, cross a bridge, and turn left at the fork, remaining on Diamond Valley Rd. Travel about one mile. You will come to another fork, turn right. You are still on Diamond Valley Rd, and about 5 miles from CBD. You have entered Rothrock State Forest. Stay on the paved Diamond Valley Road. You will arrive at CBD. Once at camp turn left at the Director’s House, this is Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the Directors’ House.
From Lewistown or Harrisburg, PA (Southeast)
Travel West on Route 322 through Lewistown to the Reedsville exit (State Rt. 655), about 5 miles north of Lewistown. Take Rt. 655 West to Belleville, about 8 miles. In Belleville turn right onto Rt. 305. Take Rt. 305 to Mooresville, about 15 miles. (Be careful in McAlevy’s Fort and Ennisville that you do not loose Rt. 305.)
To continue take either Back or Front Entrance to CBD
Back Entrance: (gravel/rough road – If there is no snow this road is a lot shorter (3 miles). If the road is snow or ice covered you will need a 4-Wheel drive vehicle.)
One mile after Mooresville on State Rt. 305 you will see a sign for the back entrance to camp. Turn right onto Globe Run Rd. Travel 1 mile to a 4-way stop, go straight. Follow this road about 1 mile until it runs into Diamond Valley Rd. (paved). Go straight onto Diamond Valley Rd. (Do not turn right and go over bridge onto PA Furnace Rd.) Take Diamond Valley Rd. less than 1 mile to CBD. Once at Camp go around the lake and past the Rising Sun and Lakeside Cabins. Turn right onto the gravel camp road at the Directors’ House, Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the house.
Front Entrance: (paved road – Take in snowy/icy weather) About five miles beyond Mooresville on State Rt. 305 (just before Petersburg) you will see a sign for CBD. Turn right onto Diamond Vly. Rd.
Travel ¼ mile on this road, cross a bridge, and turn left at the fork, remaining on Diamond Valley Rd. Travel about one mile. You will come to another fork, turn right. You are still on Diamond Valley Rd, and about 5 miles from CBD. You have entered Rothrock State Forest. Stay on the paved Diamond Valley Road. You will arrive at CBD. Once at camp turn left at the Director’s House, this is Blue Diamond Dr. The office is just beyond the Directors’ House.
Camping
There are several options for camping during the music weekend:
Tents
You are welcome to bring your own tent and set up in the center of the camp. However, Camp Blue Diamond charges PER PERSON.
Cabins
There are basic cabins available. Each cabin has 8 beds (usually 4 bunk beds), a porch, and electricity, but no facilities. There is a central washhouse.
Camper
You are welcome to bring your own camper.
There are two options:
- Campers who plan not to need any facilities can park in the parking lot. THERE IS A PER PERSON CHARGE.
- Campers that need facilities will need to park across the pond in the designated area. Please contact us for details.
Not a Camper
There are hotels, bed & breakfasts, and additional camping options can be found near Huntingdon, Belleville, Lewistown, and the State College area. The best resource is https://raystown.org/places-
Meals
Camp Blue Diamond will be providing the meals and is quite capable of handling dietary issues. Please let us know of any dietary issues ahead of time.
Meals include Friday supper, Saturday breakfast, lunch, & supper, and Sunday breakfast & lunch.
P.S. Be aware that there are very limited restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery store options nearby.
Workshops
Workshops for Instrumentalists
Most of the workshops are for all instruments playing together, and are categorized by skill level — beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced — so that you can pick ones that are appropriate for you. There are also workshops for specific instruments, but please don’t think that just because your instrument isn’t listed, the weekend isn’t for you. There’s plenty to do with mixed-instrument workshops and jams.
Workshops for Singers and Dancers
Each workshop time-slot has at least one choice for singers, and we have several dance workshops as well.
Contradance with Open Band
Play in a Band
Saturday night after the staff concert, we’ll hold a contradance, with caller Bob Nicholson. All are welcome to dance, (even if you’ve never tried it before), and all instrumentalists are welcome to play in an open band. Sheet music will be provided. We’ll have a rehearsal during one of the workshop time-slots, but it’s fine to play with the band even if you skip the rehearsal.
Jam Sessions
Lots of Opportunities to Jam
There’s nothing like a jam session for learning new tunes and sharing the joy of making music. Plenty of jamming (led by professional staff) is offered throughout the weekend, both during workshop slots and after the evening concerts.
Concerts
Both Friday and Saturday Concerts
Staff members perform for you on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Professional Development
Professional Development for Teachers
Act 48 credit is available for Pennsylvania school teachers.
About the Huntingdon County Arts Council
The Huntingdon County Arts Council is dedicated to providing art and cultural opportunities in Huntingdon County. Our programs are designed to provide enjoyment and enrichment as well as educational and professional opportunities to the general public, students, amateurs, and professional artists. Founded in 1972, the Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives support from its membership, local governments, the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, and various granting organizations.
For more information about the Arts Council, to request a membership form, or for more information about the Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering, please contact the Huntingdon County Arts Council at info@huntingdoncountyarts.com or by calling (814) 643-6220.
This project is partially funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency.
Help Spread the Word
If you are a Pennsylvania Folk Gathering fan, help spread the word by printing and passing out our flyer. Or contact us at info@folkgathering.com, and we will send you promotional material in the mail. We appreciate your support.