Songwriter Summer Camp – A 4-Night Summer Camp for Adult Songwriters
Escape to the beautiful countryside for five days of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration at Songwriter Summer Camp 2025! Whether you’re an emerging songwriter or a seasoned artist, this immersive retreat at Doran Farm offers the perfect setting to hone your craft, meet fellow songwriters, and spark new ideas.
AUGUST 6-10, 2025
Richmond Hill, Ontario
What to Expect
đ” Daily Songwriting Workshops â Learn from experienced songwriters and industry professionals.
đ¶ Song Circles & Feedback Sessions â Share your work and receive constructive feedback.
đł Peaceful Natural Setting â Find inspiration in the rolling hills and fresh air of Doran Farm.
đ„ Campfire Jams â Unplug and play under the stars.
đ€ Final Showcase â Perform a new original song in a supportive community.
đ Giddyup â Animal lovers can add on an hour of horseback riding for an additional fee.
Who Should Attend
Who Should Attend?
- Artists seeking fresh inspiration away from the city.
- Songwriters of all levels looking to grow their skills.
- Musicians wanting to explore songwriting in a collaborative environment.
Songwriting Workshops
Workshops and one-on-one feedback sessions will be hosted throughout summer camp by Murray Foster and will feature a special guest to be announced soon!
We welcome songwriters of all levels from total beginners to seasoned pros. Youâll 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.
Special Guest
TBA
Stay tuned for information on this year’s special guest mentor!
Accomodations & Meals
Songwriter Summer Camp is held on a farm just north of Richmond Hill, Ontario. Your room will be in one of two farmhouses located on the property. Each songwriter will be assigned their own private room with a queen bed.
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. Theyâll 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. Wifi is readily available.
What kind of food with be served?
Weâll be providing a fun summer menu fit for a grown-up summer camp experience, including plenty of local treats. Weâre 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.
Where to Go
Songwriter Summer Camp is being held at:
Doran Farm
13265 Leslie Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A2,
Summer Camp Lodging & Ticket Options
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.
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 and Airbnbs nearby. We have listed a few options below.
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 Type | Early Bird Price* | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room (queen bed) | $1225+HST | $1425+HST |
| Full Camp Day Pass | $825+HST | $1025+HST |
| Non-Songwriting Partner | $500+HST | $500+HST |
| Two Songwriters in a Single Bed | $2025+HST | $2325+HST |
*Early bird pricing ends May 11, 2025.
+We are offering a 10% discount to past Getaway attendees. Please email us to get your code.
Registration
Secure your place at Songwriter Summer Camp with a deposit or pay in full.
Payment is due in full by July 5, 2025.
Other Nearby Lodging Options
Aurora, Ontario Hotels â 10 minutes away
Microtel Inn
180 Goulding Ave, Aurora, ON L4G 3Z2, Canada âą 365-651-0618
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
205 Eric T Smith Way, Aurora, ON L4G 0Z6, Canada âą 905-418-8000
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 youâre regularly playing shows. Our goal is to spark creativity and growth. It doesnât 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 youâll do fine!
When should I arrive at Songwriter Summer Camp?
Camp check-in begins on Wednesday, August 6th from 3-6pm. Orientation begins at 6 pm. Dinner is served at 6:30pm.
Can I check-in late? What if I canât arrive until Thursday or Friday?
No problem! Weâd 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 youâre taken care of.
When does Songwriter Summer Camp end?
Sadly, we need to say our goodbyes on Sunday, August 10th. All programming will end on 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.
Whatâs included in Songwriter Summer Camp?
Camp tickets includes lodging*, bedding, all activities, workshops, night-time entertainment, meals, 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 donât want to stay in a room on the property, there are hotels, campsites, and Airbnbs nearby.
What should I bring to camp?
A willingness to learn, grow, and meet new people. Beyond that, we recommend bringing any personal items you may need to better enjoy your stay. Bedding and towels will be provided to guests staying on site.
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 canât come to camp.
Can I Bring My Kids?
Sorry! Songwriter Summer Camp is for adults 19 and over.
What kind of food with be served?
Weâll be providing a fun summer menu fit for a grown-up summer camp experience. Weâre happy to provide options for those with dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
Is transportation Included?
Transportation is not included. If not arriving by car, you can take the GO Train from Toronto Union Station to Richmond Hill GO Station and then take an Uber to the property. You can also Uber directly from Downtown Toronto.
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 â use an ashtray! If you are staying off-site, please do not drink and drive. Be respectful and safe!
What happens if it rains?
Weâll write songs inside! Donât worry â 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 âOrganizersâ) 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 participantsâ 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 July 1, 2025 will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee. From July 2-July 31, 2025 you will receive a 50% refund, no exceptions. All requests after July 31st are non-refundable. We do allow you to transfer your registration to another person. Please email us if you have questions about this.