I'm dying to take a class at
Yestermorrow Design and Build School in Vermont where they not only hold workshops on building treehouses (a life-long dream of mine), but also in sustainable design, construction, woodworking, and gardening. After running across classes and courses like the list below, I am seriously considering ditching my vacation plans so I can take a workshop instead. They make it incredibly convenient with affordable onsite housing and even a work exchange program (1 hour of work = $10 off). So attractive in this economy. They also provide discounts for multiple classes/workshops or for signing up with a friend (15% off!). Finally a school that is trying to make a difference instead of money.
* Sustainable Treehouse Design and Construction
* Ecological Water Systems
* Farm Design and Build
* Solar Design
* Rain Garden Design
* Wind Power
* Carpentry for Women
* Biofuels
* Trim and Finished Carpentry
* Furniture Making
* Do and Don'ts of Pre-Fab
* Permaculture Design
These are just a handful of the classes held there. According to the website, the school is accredited as an education institute by the state of Vermont and is an affiliate member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, as well as a Continuing Education Provider for the American Institute of Architects. They provide two Certificate Programs, the Certificate in Sustainable Building and Design and the Natural Building Intensive , "an intensive, in-depth, hands-on opportunities for deepening understanding, acquiring functional skill sets, and widening career opportunities."
Pictured below is one of the projects the school has worked on.
Timberframing course.
They say when one door closes another opens. sigh. I am posting some unique opportunities that I hope someone will explore if faced with a closed door. Here's to making lemonade out of lemons. 
