Photo by Mike Melnyk
Is this camp for children or adults?
This camp is for musicians. Typically, most of our campers are adults, so the classes are geared to an adult attention span. But campers of all ages are welcome as long as they’re into the music and can stay focused during an all-morning class.
At our most recent camp, out of 200 plus campers, about 30 were kids between the ages of 8 and 18. If a child is under ten years old, we often recommend our “Fungrass” program for the morning class—this class is less intensive and, as the name implies, more fun! and includes arts and crafts and snacks as well as musical instruction. Fungrass students can attend afternoon elective classes to supplement their musical studies.
Can I attend instrumental classes for more than one instrument?
No, sorry. For two reasons--one, to ensure that class sizes don't get too big; and two, because often a teacher will build each day on what was worked on the previous day, so continuity is important. However, during the jams, elective classes, and office hours you can participate with any instrument you want, and work with any instructor you want.
Can I come for (and pay for) just part of the camp?
It may be possible to come just for the afternoons and evenings—this would be a pilot program and we’re still working out the details—call if you’re interested. 415-663-1342 after 9 a.m.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, though if they're not signed up for music camp, they should not attend classes. They may come to the evening events. All attendees need to pay for housing and meals; call for rates. (415-663-1342 after 9 a.m.)
If your family includes young children, as mentioned above we offer a special class for children of campers who are not yet ready for camp, but interested in music. This class meets in the mornings from 9 a.m. to noon only, and will be taught by children’s educator Carol Spiker and assistants. Students will have a chance to interact with instruments and learn about each of the main bluegrass/oldtime instruments. They will participate in fun, interactive music experiences; singing, dancing, performance, crafts, recording, musical drama, games and a great snack each day.
Cost of this program is $100-$175 per child, depending on housing choice—scholarships are available for those who need them. Class size will be limited, so if you have an interested child, you're advised to sign up early. The class is intended for children who have at least one parent or sibling enrolled in the CBA Music Camp--others may be admitted if there is still space after camp is full.
Can I bring my pets?
No, pets are not allowed!—please leave them home.
Is vegetarian or vegan food available? What about my food allergies?
You can sign up for vegetarian meals, and any other food preferences you have can likely be accommodated if you let us know in advance (food allergies, vegan, etc). You’ll be asked for these details when you register.
What if I want some vegetarian and some meat meals?
You have to sign up for one or the other. BUT, at the end of the meal, after everyone has been served, it's OK to go through the line again to sample the veggie food if you signed up as an omnivore, or vice versa, if there's extra left. "After everyone has been served" are the key words here, like wait at least half an hour after meal time began.
Are there hook-ups for RV's?
No. Some electricity may be available if needed, but mostly it’s dry camping.
I do not want to share a room with anyone—are private rooms available for individuals or couples?
There are two types of housing available at Walker Creek Ranch—economy, which is dorm-style housing with six to twelve people per dorm, and semi-private rooms, with two to five people per room. A few private rooms (single occupancy) are available on a limited basis. If you want more upscale options, there are some vacation rentals in Marshall, 15 minutes away, and motels in Petaluma and Novato (25 minutes away).
Where do I get more information about local motels, and restaurants?
First of all, remember that Walker Creek Ranch is about 25 minutes away (on curvy back roads) from the nearest large town (Petaluma or Novato) and 15 minutes away from the nearest small store/deli (in Marshall), which is closed on Tuesdays. That said, you can get information about Petaluma services from www.petalumachamber.com/, Novato from www.novatochamber.com/, and West Marin from www.pointreyes.org/.
Closest lodging would be any of various B&Bs or vacation rentals in the Marshall area (www.pointreyes.org/marshall.html)—less expensive would be motels in Petaluma or Novato. Closest restaurants are in Marshall—Nick’s Cove is open 7 days a week but pricey (www.nickscove.com), the Marshall Store is closed Tuesdays, open other days from 10 to 4 and serves great food at reasonable prices (www.themarshallstore.com). And there are many restaurants to choose from in Petaluma or Novato.
Can I sign up by phone and/or pay with a credit card?
You cannot sign up by phone—you need to complete a registration form and submit it, either online or by mail. But yes, you can pay with your credit card, when you register online—there is a link for that on our home page.
Is it better to pay with a check or credit card?
Either way is fine. Paying with a credit card involves a handling fee (3-4%), so it’s cheaper to write a check.
As far as your place in line for getting into a class, we go by when you sign up, not when we receive it, and we go by which day you sign up, regardless of what time it is. So, mailing a check postmarked anytime on a Monday, for example, will place you in line along with everyone else who mails a check or signs up online that day—we wait a few days for the mail to catch up before processing online registrations. For the same reason, sending it priority mail is not necessary—we go by the date of the postmark.
If a class overfills on any given day, then we look at factors like age, prior attendance at camp, CBA membership, etc. when making decisions about who’s in the class and who’s on the waiting list.
I want to sign up for camp now, but don't have all the money together yet. Will you take a deposit?
Yes, call and we can make special arrangements if you need to.
415-663-1342 after 9 a.m.
I want to sign up for camp, but I may have to cancel.
What's your refund policy?
If we can fill your spot with another student, we'll refund your payment. There’s no cancellation fee per se, but we do invite you to donate a portion of your refund (any amount) to next year's scholarship fund, to make up for the inconvenience.
Exceptions: Cancellations received after February 1st may receive only a partial refund. And “no-shows” (those who don’t show up at camp, and don’t contact us to cancel) do NOT receive a refund. If we haven’t heard from you by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning and you’re not at camp, you forfeit your spot, and your registration fee is ours to keep. (Exceptions may be made for hardship cases.)
I want to come, but can’t afford it. How do I get a scholarship?
There are two types of scholarships available: full scholarships, which cover full tuition; and partial scholarships.
Most of our scholarships are partial scholarships—you pay as much as you can towards tuition, and we cover the rest. To apply for a partial scholarship, fill out a registration form, entering the amount you can pay, and mail it in, with a check for that amount, and also include a brief letter explaining your situation and requesting the scholarship.
We also have a few full scholarships available. These are intended for low-income young people who are very devoted to playing bluegrass and/or old time music. If this sounds like you, your child, or someone you know, please call 415-663-1342 to apply.
Scholarship recipients, or their parents, are requested to help out at camp with a camp chore or two (there are many to choose from!)
The scholarship program is made possible through the donations of generous CBA members and other music campers who pay a little extra to help fund it. We are extremely grateful to them!
I signed up for camp but never heard if I made it into my class. Am I registered?
Don’t assume you’re registered for camp unless you received confirmation! All applicants are contacted when they sign up, usually by e-mail—if you don’t hear from us, there was a communications failure and you should get in touch to find out if you’re registered or on a waiting list. All registered campers receive confirmation (by e-mail, or fax or snail mail if you have no e-mail) which includes information about what to bring to camp, how to get there, etc.
How do I get to camp?
Directions are available on the ranch website: www.walkercreekranch.org
Can you help me find (or offer) a ride to camp?
Carpooling is in! If you are interested in sharing a ride to camp, let us know and we’ll put you in contact with any others from your area who are also interested in carpooling.
How early can I arrive?
You can arrive anytime Monday morning—registration begins at noon.
What do I need to bring to camp?
Walker Creek Ranch has a list of suggested items to bring on their website (www.walkercreekranch.org/ go to conference center, guest information packet, where there is a lot of other information as well). The weather in February can be lovely early spring days, wet and wild storms, or anything in between. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly—layered clothing is a good idea.
If you’re hardy enough for winter tent camping, bring camping supplies (tent, sleeping bag, etc). All you are supplied with is a space to camp, and access to water and bathrooms. There are no picnic tables, BBQs, or anything like that, just some scenic level spaces.
For classes, a notebook and pen, battery-powered recording device, and extra batteries are very helpful; extra strings, capo, etc. for your instrument; and a tuner. If you have a large or heavy instrument, you may want to consider bringing a wheeled carrier for making travel to classes easier. Lightweight, easy-carry gig bags are good for the same reason. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and want to attend the yoga classes. And don't forget your dancing shoes!
