Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do we secure a spot in the camp?
To be fair to everyone who wants to attend, we process the registrations in the order that they arrive in the mail! Each participant’s form must be accompanied by a non-refundable $200 deposit. The reserves a space.
We start accepting early registration at the camp itself! The early forms are published in the participants booklets, as are the dates.
We have a variety of types of accommodations on site: They range from really cheap bunkhouses ($5/ night) to more modern ones. We also have on-site camping. Also, in the Moose Mountain provincial park, there are several hotels, rental cottages, and campgrounds.
3. Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
No. There are no rooms or accommodations on site with private bathrooms. However, there are 4 different places on the campus, so even though they are shared, there’s never a long wait!
4. My child is 15. Do I have to accompany him?
Yes. We do not provide supervision for children on site. For students 15 or younger, a responsible adult must be onsite at all times. Camp can be very confusing, and if a student does not have a “go to person” , they might have a negative experience, which we would like to avoid at all costs!!
For students between 16 – 18, a parent must be able to be reached , and the student must abide by the “unsupervised minor contract” on campus.
6. What is the “unsupervised minor contract”?
Unchaperoned participants under the age of 19 must sign a contract with the camp stating that they will not engage in illegal behaviour, like consuming alcohol. It also sets out the expectations clearly that all participants must abid by concerning responsible camp behaviour. We’re pretty flexible on most items, but are not at all flexible when it comes to breaking the law, or morality issues. We’re a family camp, and respect is high on our list of priorities!
7. How are the classes divided up? What if I don’t think my group is right for me?
We have a self-division morning on the first day of camp. It feels really confusing, but works very well. We ask students to divide themselves to where they THINK they will belong. Then we send that group with a group of instructors. They will play a few drills, teach a short phrase, and generally try to create levels. We move people around if we feel they mis-placed themselves. And then, when the groups are divided, they have a “sample lesson”. At this time, people can ask for a move “up or down” depending upon how they are feeling. It’s a very mobile class, as we try to get the groups “homogenous”… or full o fpeople who learn at a similar level / pace. Sometimes, Classically trained musicians, are moved to less-advanced groups because they’re not accustomed to learning by ear! We really just want everyone to have the best experience possible, so we work hard at trying to create the right class! The first day, groups have 3 full classes with their teacher, so by the end of the first day, they are usually in a class that is a good fit for them.
8. What if I really want to study with a particular instructor?
You can request that instructor, but we cannot guarantee that this can be accommodated. However, during the week, all of the instructors host workshops, give private lessons and participate in group collaborations. So there will be many opportunities for you to work with any instructor that you wish.
9. I play several instruments. Can I take lessons in more than one?
Well, everyone registers for their “primary” instrument. So you’ll be in your “home classes” with that instructor. However, you are welcome to attend workshops in whatever instrument you wish, or to book private lessons on any instrument as well.
10. You keep talking about “private lessons”. Is there an extra fee for these?
No. We have what we call “Confessionals”. These are 15 minute lesson slots that participants sign up for as an alternative to attending a workshop. Everyone is allowed to sign up for one each day, and if there are extra spaces after the sign up time, they are allowed to double up. These are great for recording tunes, for working on technique or for getting advice on a variety of musical topics.
11. I am a vegetarian /have food allergies . Do you accommodate different eating habits?
Our kitchen staff tries very hard to accommodate special dietary needs. They cook alternative vegan / vegetarian options at every meal. However, if you have really complicated eating requirements, we would suggest that you cook for yourself while on site, to ensure your dietary needs are adequately met. The head cook requests on the first day that anyone with special requirements meet with her, and then she gives instructions on where to access special meal preparations.
12. We have a family of 5 and are all musicians. Is there any way to offset the costs of camp?
We do have a bursary program designed to assist families with the costs of camp. It is specifically aimed at sponsoring families from SE. Saskatchewan, but we have other donations which are not so targeted. Phone and talk with Michele about the options and possibilities. We try to be as accommodating as humanly possible, while still meeting our financial obligations.
13. What is the Jamming like at this camp?
WE have several scheduled jams: daily at 4pm we have a slow jam and a regular jam in 2 different locations. However, students are encouraged to start their own jams all over camp! There is jamming at the kids’ campfire ( at 6:00) A Jam band plays for the square dance every night (everyone can play if you can play up to dance tempo) and there is jamming at the campfire after the dancing and usually in the Mother Theresa Living room. Teenagers often jam in the Piano room 1, and the bluegrass bunch often jam in the forest. You see jams happening in the camping area at all times of the day! And everyone is welcome to join in … wherever!
14. My husband is only coming for a couple of days. Can he stay in my cabin and eat meals?
Yes. We charge $15 / day for extra bodies on site, which covers administration, facility usage and nightly concerts, and meal tickets can be purchased by the day.
15. How do I find out when the concerts are, and who is playing on what nights?
We publish a newspaper with all of the information about concerts, and we also publish the information on our web site. In addition, camp participants will find this information on their camp schedule. Concerts begin at 7 pm and usually last unti 9:30 each evening (with an intermission).
16. I am here as a chaperon for my children. Can I participate in the workshops and the jam sessions?
Between the hours of 9 and 4, the camp activities are for camp participants only. These are included in their registration fees. But everyone is welcome to participate in the jam sessions at 4pm, and we often have local community members who come in for these as well. The concert admission is covered by everyone’s “campus pass’ .. so if you have a name-tag, you’ve paid your admission to the concert. And the Square dance, and evening campfires are open to all.
17. Am I allowed to drink a beer, or have a glass of wine while on site?
Yes. We encourage moderation, but we run a private facility, and people who are of LEGAL age, are welcome to provide their own beverages. However, we do not condone drunken behaviour, and appreciate when participants demonstrate good judgement. At concerts, please be discreet.
18. I have two dogs. Can I bring them with me?
A. No. We have a lot of people on site, and even though your animal may be very well behaved, we cannot run the risk.. We have made some exceptions in the past for extreme circumstances, but as a general rule, No pets on site please.