Unique to the Algoma Music Camp site is an old barn that was converted to an acoustically superb concert/dance space. (An aside: 27 years ago Julie's brother Raymond, now an internationally recognized and award winning cello and violin maker, spent long hours wearing out his knees varnishing the large stage/dance floor.) The barn is still very much a barn, with light peaking in through cracks in the walls, so, yes, it too is rustic, but beautiful. Music resonates without any outside interference because the site is rural among gently rolling hills. You might hear an occasional neighbouring cow, and most certainly some birds, but not much else besides the goings-on of the camp. Larger dance workshops, concerts and dances will be held in the barn. Below the main floor of the barn are a number of workshop rooms that will be used for appropriate workshop and rehearsal space. The charming "Chicken Coop" is a large enough building to accommodate a large class. As we mentioned, the Dining Hall will also be available for arts and craft workshops and music and song sessions. If the weather cooperates, and this can be the nicest part of our summers up here, some of the workshops, especially those for young children, could happen outdoors where there is lots of space to move around and enjoy the great outdoors.
Where We Are Located
The Algoma Traditional Music and Dance Family Camp is located at the site if the Algoma Music Camp (see Links) on an old farm on beautiful St. Joseph Island in the North Channel of Georgian Bay. St. Joseph Island is 60 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, (app a 7 to 8 hour drive from Toronto) just off Highway 17 and is accessible by automobile (or boat!)
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations at the site are VERY RUSTIC - small cabins with single cots or bunks (2 to 4 to a room). Space will be available for those who wish to bring their own tents. Children over the age of 8 will be encouraged to bunk with other children. Washrooms equipped with showers are accessible from one end of the main building, which houses the kitchen and Dining Hall. The Dining Hall is a large lovely structure built with BC 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 chef will be preparing two meals per day, lunch and dinner. Breakfast will be handled by a volunteer crew each morning. We hope to 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 will be a priority for this camp. Vegetarian options will be offered.
Activities and Workshops
Campers can arrive and check-in anytime after 2PM on Saturday, August 14th. 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!!
A typical day offers four periods of workshops for instruments, song, dance and arts and crafts as well as extra spontaneous workshops throughout the week during the afternoon break. Workshop schedules will be provided to registrants by July 1st so each camper can build their own schedule. As well, there are scheduled times for camp gatherings, group singing, and recreational games. A bus is provided each day for a trip to the beach in the village of Richards Landing on St. Joseph Island, weather permitting. There is ample time to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner while socializing with others. For most days at the camp, evenings begin with a creative dress-up parade through the campgrounds, always popular with the young and the young-at–heart, followed by a short concert and then a dance. Tune and Singing sessions occur at the same time in the Dining Hall. A campfire song session is a feature at least once during the week. Spontaneity is encouraged! Though we try to create a community where we watch out for each other, children are the responsibility of parents or caregivers when not in children’s workshops. Generally we end the week with student concerts and a farewell dance. Campers are encouraged to stay over until Saturday morning and have breakfast together before they leave. Anyone interested in helping to set up on or before the 14th or to tear down on the 22nd, is more than welcome; please contact us and let us know.
What Campers Should Bring
Instruments and accessories; a simple recording device as many 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 AlgomaTrad we send out a final letter with specific advice on what to bring and what to expect. The Cabins for campers are rustic to say the least; there is plenty of room for tents and trailers, but there are no hook-ups. Basic shower and bathroom facilities are provided but water conservation is practiced.
