Songwriter Summer Camp – A 4-Night Summer Camp for Adult Songwriters – SOLD OUT!

Join us for a songwriter summer camp that will change everything. The ultimate blend of deep-learning, relaxed retreat writing, friendship, fun adventures, and accelerated growth as a songwriter!

AUGUST 2-6, 2023

Stirling-Rawdon, ON (2 hours from Toronto)

Why You Have to be at Songwriter Summer Camp?

If there’s anything we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s the power of sharing a space with people who challenge you and lift you up. The truth is that we live life at a crazy fast pace. Head down, focused on the task at hand, and too-often disconnected from the spark that made us want to become songwriters. Space to think and moments to feel are at the heart of great songwriting.

Songwriter Summer Camp is about reconnecting with who you are and who you want to be as a songwriter. It’s about learning new skills, stepping back from the whirlwind of daily life, and finding your people. All with a bucketload of fun and maybe a dip in the pool. (But don’t worry we won’t put you in tents!)

A Day in the Life

Beginning on Wednesday afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, relax, connect, explore, discover, and play before you head home on Sunday morning with new inspiration and a handful of new songs.

Our programming begins around 8am with an optional morning warm-up, then rolls into breakfast and a full day of songwriting workshops, mentor one-on-ones, afternoon activities, and evening events.

To get an idea of the schedule for each day, check out the clipboard. Everything is encouraged, but nothing is mandatory. At Songwriter Summer Camp, you get to create your own experience.

Songwriting Workshops

Workshops and one-on-one feedback sessions will be hosted throughout the week by Murray Foster and will feature special guests Hawksley Workman and Tyler Ellis!

We welcome songwriters of all levels from total beginners to seasoned pros. You’ll head home from the songwriting retreat with new insights on your songwriting process, professional feedback on your original songs, and a new connection to an encouraging songwriter community.

Camp Activities

Open Mic
A final performance of songs written over the course of the week.

Yoga
Attend an optional morning yoga session led by Creekside Yoga

Arts & Crafts
Crafts allow you to explore another side to your creative self

Local Tastings
Sample local delights including local jam, beer, and cheese.

Special Guests

Special Guest Songwriter: Hawksley Workman
We’re happy to announce that Hawksley Workman will join us for a presentation about his songwriting process, followed by a Q&A. Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Award-winning and Gold Record-certified singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his ground-breaking self-produced indie debut For Him and The Girls (1999) through to chart-topping singles of 2020, Hawksley has careened between major label international smash hits to Canadiana soaked indie releases. Boasting a catalogue of 17 solo records, Hawksley’s genre-defying style strings together folk, chart pop, and irrepressible cabaret. His show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak, and tales of end-times have garnered him a league of devoted fans.

Special Guest Mentor: Tyler Ellis
We’re delighted to welcome Guest Mentor Tyler Ellis to Songwriter Summer Camp. Tyler will lead a songwriting workshop, and he’ll be assisting with one-on-one feedback sessions. Tyler Ellis has worn two musical hats for a long time. Two wonderful musical hats. On the one hand, a critically acclaimed, award-winning singer/songwriter; on the other, an award-winning music teacher. With the 2019 release of the double album, Well-Seasoned, Ellis confidently throws both hats into the ring. His wry, thoughtful songs about love and life in The Great White North comfortably rubbing shoulders with his songs about the seasons, Venn-Diagrams, and counting to ten. His song “100 Proof” recorded and released by Julian Taylor was nominated for a 2023 Canadian Folk Award for Single of the Year.

Lodging & Food

What are the accommodations like?

Songwriter Summer Camp is being held on a 5-acre retreat property between Campbellford and Stirling, ON. Your room will be in one of three different residences: The Stonehouse, The Chalet, or The Cottage. The large space allows for a wide range of single and shared rooms with plenty of quiet spaces for songwriting.

Should I bring bedding and towels?

We’ll take care of bedding, but if you really need to have silk sheets and your favorite pillow, you’re welcome to bring your own as well. As for towels, we’ll make sure you have a towel for showers during the weekend, but we highly recommend bringing a beach towel or two for the pool.

Can I request to share a room with friends?

Yes, of course! In fact, we’d love it you bring every songwriter you know! Rally the troops!

Can I share a bed in a single room with my husband/wife/partner/friend with benefits?

Absolutely! We have a ticket option to bring along a non-songwriting partner. They’ll be able to participate in all the non-songwriting activities, join in on meals, and enjoy the beauty of the property and surrounding area.

Is there WiFi?

You want to get away from it all, but still have access to TikTok. We get it. Each of the buildings on the property has it’s own WiFi. Full disclosure: We’re in a very rural area, so the WiFi is a bit slow, but it is definitely available.

What kind of food with be served?

We’ll be providing a fun summer menu fit for a grown-up summer camp experience. We’re happy to provide options for those with dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Morning Warm-Ups & Evening Jams

What better way to kick off and wrap up your day than with a serious of exercises to get you moving and evening events and song circles where you lean into the spirit of creativity. And hey, it’s summer camp, jump in the pool whenever things get too hot!

Where to Go

Songwriter Summer Camp is being held at:
Wingfield Gardens
948 Wingfield Road
Stirling-Rawdon, ON K0L 1L0

Directions.

Summer Camp Lodging & Ticket Options

Our spacious property has several rooming options for our guests.

Single rooms feature one Queen-sized bed. Individuals booking a single room are welcome to register a songwriting or non-songwriting partner who will share the room and bed with you. Non-songwriting partners are welcome to participate in all meals and non-songwriting activities.

Shared Rooms feature twin and double beds. You will share the room with 1-3 additional same-gender songwriters. Friends are welcome to request rooming together.

Full Week Day Passes entitle attendees to all the workshops, camp activities, food and fun of the getaway – but no lodging. There are great hotels, campsites, and Airbnbs nearby. We have listed a few options below. You can also search on google or travel sites or other nearby motels, cottages, and trailer camping.

Single Day Passes are available for those who only wish to attend one day of Songwriter Summer Camp.

Single Room with Two Songwriting Partners is for two songwriters who wish to share a single queen bed. Great for songwriting spouses or other co-habiting arrangements.

Non-Songwriting Partners are welcome to join in meals, non-songwriting camp activities, and evening song circles.  If staying in the house, they must be accommodated in a single room with their songwriting partner. Our single rooms feature one queen-sized bed.

Summer Camp Pricing

Registration

Secure your place at Songwriter Summer Camp with a $300 (+HST) deposit.
Payment is due in full by July 2, 2023.

Other Nearby Lodging Options

Campbellford, Ontario Hotels – 10-15 minutes away

Campbellford River Inn – ★★
316 County Rd 38, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0, Canada • 705-653-1771

The Waters Edge Inn – ★★
149 Queen St, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0, Canada • 705-653-4470

Emilyville Inn B&B – ★★★
60 Grand Rd, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0, Canada • 705-632-1405

Trenton, Ontario Hotels – 25 mins away

Ramada by Wyndham Trenton – ★★★
99 Glen Miller Rd, Trenton, ON K8V 5P8 • 613-394-4855

Comfort Inn – ★★
51 Monogram Pl, Trenton, ON K8V 5P8, Canada • 613-965-6660

CAMPING

Ferris Provincial Park – https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/ferris

AIRBNB
Many of our Getaway attendees stay in nearby Airbnb rooms when joining our songwriting workshop retreats. There are many Airbnb options in the area. We encourage you read reviews and host policies if you select this option.

Sponsors

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the SOCAN Foundation for making this Songwriter Getaway possible.

Summer Camp Meals

All meals will be provided from dinner on Wednesday through breakfast on Sunday morning. We work diligently to accommodate dietary restrictions, please make us aware of them when completing your registration form.

The Songwriter Summer Camp is BYOB outside of our specific local tastings. Guests are welcome to bring and enjoy their own alcoholic beverages.

Sadly, we need to say our goodbyes on Sunday, August 7^th. All programming will end of Saturday evening. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am. We ask that you please depart by 10am, so we can close up the property on time.

Toronto Songwriting School gratefully acknowledges the support of Songwriters Association of Canada. Their support helps to make Songwriter Summer Camp possible.

Songwriter Summer Camp FAQ

What skill level is required to join in songwriting activities?

This is an all-levels event. Every exercise is designed to be encouraging and inclusive whether this is your first-time writing songs or you’re regularly playing shows. Our goal is to spark creativity and growth. It doesn’t matter how well you sing or play your instrument (or if you even play an instrument). You just need to come into it willing to try, and you’ll do fine!

When should I arrive at Songwriter Summer Camp?

Camp check-in begins on Wednesday, August 3 from 3-6pm. Orientation begins at 6:30pm. Dinner is served at 7pm.

Can I check-in late? What if I can’t arrive until Thursday or Friday?

No problem! We’d love for you to experience the full Songwriter Summer Camp experience, but we know that some people will have some scheduling conflicts and need to sneak in late or leave early. Just be sure to let us know, so we can make sure you’re taken care of.

When does Songwriter Summer Camp end?

What’s included in Songwriter Summer Camp?

Camp tickets includes lodging*, bedding, all activities, workshops, night-time entertainment, meals, use of the pool, and more!

*A limited number of Day Pass tickets will be made available. Day Pass holders are able to join all activities and meals, but lodging is not included.

Can I camp on the property?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow camping on the property. If you don’t want to stay in a room on the property, there are hotels, campsites, and Airbnbs nearby.

What COVID-19 protocols are in place?

We encourage songwriters to take precautions leading up to Songwriter Summer Camp to create a safe and healthy environment for all attendees. All attendees must test negative on a COVID-19 rapid test taken the day of arrival.

What should I bring to camp?

A willingness to learn, grow, and meet new people. Beyond that, the items on our Camp Packing List might also come in handy: Click here to download the Camp Packing List.

Do you provide instruments?

Unfortunately, we can provide instruments. If you play an instrument that is difficult to transport, we may be able to connect you with another songwriter who is willing to share. Email us your concerns, and we’ll work with you to address them.

Can I bring my Pet?

Nope, sorry. We love all your furry friends, but they can’t come to camp. There’s a nearby animal sanctuary if you need an animal fix while at camp.

Can I Bring My Kids?

Sorry! Songwriter Summer Camp is for adults 19 and over.

What kind of food with be served?

We’ll be providing a fun summer menu fit for a grown-up summer camp experience. We’re happy to provide options for those with dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Is transportation Included?

Transportation is not included. But we try to make it really easy to get to camp with directions and clear signage. If you are coming by public transportation, VIA RAIL provides train service from Toronto to Belleville, Ontario. Central Hastings Transit runs a public transportation shuttle from Belleville to Stirling. We can arrange for pick-up in Sterling with advance notice. You can also join our Getaways Facebook Group to try to find a ride with a fellow songwriter.

Is there parking?

Yes, we have ample parking available.

Is there WiFi?

You want to get away from it all, but still have access to TikTok. We get it. Each of the buildings on the property has its own WiFi.

What is your policy on alcohol and drugs?

While we do not provide alcohol, camp guests are welcome to BYOB and responsibly partake in alcohol and legal drugs. Please use plastic glasses in the pool area. No smoking or vaping inside the buildings and no cigarettes butts on the lawn – use an ashtray! If you are staying off-site, please do not drink and drive. Be respectful and safe!

What happens if it rains?

We’ll write songs inside! Don’t worry – Rain or Shine, there will be activities and dry shelter for everyone to write, play, learn, and have fun!

Additional Terms & Conditions

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE especially if you are traveling long-distance or crossing a border to join us. While we have no expectation to cancel this event, we strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance. Toronto Songwriting School, Inc., its officers, assigns, affiliates or any related parties (the “Organizers”) are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or for any other cause beyond its control. The Organizers reserve the right to change or cancel the event without prior notice. If the event is cancelled for any reason, Organizers shall have no liability beyond the refund of all event participants’ registration fees received by it. The Organizers may decline to accept or to retain any event participant as a participant on the event at any time or remove a participant for behavior deemed, in its sole discretion to be disrespectful, disruptive or hate-driven.

Cancellation Policy

We get it, life happens and if you find yourself needing to cancel your registration, here our our guidelines: Requests received by June 1, 2022 will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee. From June 2-July 2, you will receive a 50% refund, no exceptions. All requests after July 3 are non-refundable. We do allow you to transfer your registration to another person. Please email us if you have questions about this.