We’re in the process of adding lots of info to our new website so come back frequently as more details are added daily!

Classes and workshops

Besides the primary areas of study (fiddle, whistle/flute, song, piano, guitar, stepdance, and contra/square dancing, etc), art workshops and other electives will also be available. A schedule of workshops is emailed in late July so each camper can confirm workshop preferences.

Skill levels

Introductory - Basic introduction to a new instrument.  No experience necessary.

Beginner – At least 1 year of experience on an instrument, can play a few simple tunes or would like to be introduced to chordal accompaniment of  traditional tunes.

Novice – Can play or accompany approximately a dozen tunes at slow to medium speed.

Intermediate –Can play or accompany many tunes, various jigs, reels, waltzes, at a medium tempo with a good level of facility and proficiency with ability to learn tunes fairly quickly by ear.

Advanced – Can play or accompany many tunes with ease and at a good tempo for dancers. These workshops will present more tunes of greater difficulty and will be taught more quickly with greater attention to stylistic and mechanical technique.  Accompanists will be integrated with advanced tune classes.

Levels descriptions are just guidelines; if you’re not sure about what level you’re at, please feel free to consult us by email or phone at 705-782-4311.

Schedule

A schedule of workshops is online and sent by email in late July so each camper can select workshop preferences. Visit the schedule page right here in the site for the latest info.

Check-in

Campers can arrive and check-in anytime after 2PM on Sunday, August 12th. An evening meal will be provided for all AlgomaTrad registrants (including daycampers) and staff, followed by an orientation Gathering and a dance. It is imperative that everyone, including daycampers, attend the Saturday evening activities as important announcements will be made and instructors will be introduced. Also, the dance is a good way to get to know your fellow campers, to begin to build the community that you will live with for the next week, and hear some great tunes!

Accompanying parent or guardian

Residential (overnight) campers under the age of 11 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a registered camper. Day campers between the ages of 4-7 must be accompanied by a guardian. Children are the responsibility of the parent or guardian at all times. A parent/guardian may attend all meals and evening events but is not entitled to attend any daytime workshops except when accompanying child/children under their care as an observer.

Team spirit

AlgomaTrad is devoted to creating an atmosphere of community; all campers are encouraged to participate in Dining Hall preparation and cleanup.

Sleeping

Cabins are VERY RUSTIC and contain single beds or bunks (2 to 4 per room). Some cabins will be for family units. Campers over age 9 can be housed in designated girls or boys cabin blocks respectively. Please supply your own twin-fitted sheets, sleeping bags, and pillow. Space will be available for those who wish to bring their own tent, RV or trailer. There is plenty of outside space for tents and trailers, but there are no hook-ups.

Washrooms are equipped with showers are accessible from one end of the main building, which houses the kitchen and dining hall. Basic shower and bathroom facilities are provided but water conservation is practiced. It’s handy to bring clogs or footwear you can schlep to the shower in as the floor tends to get wet.

Eating

The dining hall is a large, lovely structure built from British Columbia fir. It features a large open space for arts and crafts workshops, music sessions, recreational indoor games and lounging. The kitchen is large and fully equipped. Our chefs and volunteer kitchen staff prepare three meals per day plus snacks between workshops. We offer our campers a good selection of locally grown produce, August being the bountiful month up here for gardeners and farmers. Wholesome, delicious and nicely prepared food are a priority. Vegetarian options are offered.

Daily gathering

Everybody must attend the 10:30AM Gathering in the big barn. If you don’t, you’ll have NO idea what’s going on and you’ll miss out on special features like “Camper of the Minute”, special performances, learning a camp song, and other, often unexpected fun stuff!

Conduct and behaviour

AlgomaTrad reserves the right to expel, at any time, campers deemed to be behaving in a way that threatens the safety and/or well-being of themselves or others, or who place at risk the property of the camp or campers. Refunds will NOT be given and if necessary, charges will be made for damaged property.

Smoking

There is a strict no smoking allowed policy throughout the site of Algoma Music Camp.

Safety

While considerable precautions are taken to secure the safety of campers, The Algoma Traditional Music and Dance Family Camp cannot assume liability in the event of sickness or accidents. Adequate health insurance is recommended. Campers under 18 not accompanied by a parent or guardian should  provide their Canadian Health Insurance card number upon registration.

Personal belongings

The Algoma Traditional Music and Dance Family Camp cannot be held responsible for loss, theft or damage of belongings.

Animals

We know you love them… but even cute pets are not allowed at camp.

What to bring

Instruments and accessories; a simple recording device as most workshops are taught aurally; sleeping bag, twin-fitted sheet, pillow; all personal toiletries and towels; clothing for hot and inclement weather; flashlight, swimsuit, sun protection; good humour and community spirit! A few weeks before camp starts we send out a final letter with specific advice what should be on your packing list and what to expect.

Payment by cheque or credit card

Registration may be made by cheque or credit card  (PayPal, no account required). Visit the registration page for fees and options.

Scholarships

There are limited openings for campers in need of financial aid to receive scholarships from the needs-based Nicholas Missere Bursary Fund. Please inquire about availability.

WorkTrade

WorkTrade campers, ages 13 to adult,  can receive a reduction in fees in exchange for a commitment of up to 2 hours a day on a WorkTrade team. You can select this option when you register.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations prior to May 30 will be refunded 85% of registration fee. Cancellations between May 30 and June 30 will be refunded 50% of registration fee. Cancellations between June 30 and August 1 will be refunded 25% of registration fee. There will be no refunds after August 1 and no fee adjustments will be made in the case of early or late departure.

Use of photos, videos, recordings

AlgomaTrad reserves the right to use digital media (photos, videos, audio recordings) for camp promotional purposes and we welcome your contribution to our YouTube channel and web albums.

Phone, internet

There is a landline phone available during camp for important calls or emergencies. There is very weak cell reception at certain locations onsite (be prepared to stand on a chair holding a fork in one hand and your cell in the other). Forget about the internet; you won’t miss it (or have time for it)! If you can’t live without it, the local library is 5 minutes away and offers a high-speed connection at a nominal fee.

Local/regional weather

For up-to-the-minute local weather forecasts sooweather.ca is the best source. Nights can be damp or cool (they can also be hot!); days can be pretty hot at this time of year. If you’re seriously into the weather, you can even read the Ontario Weather Review for August last year. Bugs are minimal this time of year and it is likely you would need insect repellent, but if you do bring some, please use a natural or non-toxic kind!

Local food sources and specialties

Info to come.

Regional tourism and events

Info to come.

How to get to camp

AlgomaTrad Camp takes place at the Algoma Music Camp on beautiful St. Joseph Island in Ontario. View the map here or on Google where you can print out detailed directions.