Camp Harmony – SFFMC’s New Years Camp
Camp Harmony 2023-24 was live and in person from Wednesday December 27th, 2023 until Monday January 1st, 2024. after three years of online camps due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Camp Harmony is the Folk Club’s biggest camp, drawing over 200 people. For 2023-24 we returned to Camp Newman, between Santa Rosa and Calistoga, which was our Camp Harmony site for a number of years until it was badly damaged in the Tubbs Fire of 2017. Camp Newman has now been considerably rebuilt with new and improved facilities that have been well designed to serve campers of all ages. There’s more information about the rebuilt Camp Newman (including photos!) in the July-August and September-October issues of the folknik.
We always have a great time at Camp Harmony and we were very excited to have an in-person camp this year. Campers could lead a workshop, begin a new instrument, join in a jam or sing along. Hike through the woods, make new friends over cider or while jamming, and do it all surrounded by folks making music and having fun. The final online version of the 2023-24 workshop schedule is at https://tinyurl.com/HarmonySchedule.
We’re a homemade camp, and we put it on for each other. It’s a wonderful, supportive environment for trying out new things. Here it’s easy to take the first steps at teaching, whether calling a first dance, teaching a beginning instrument class, or leading a song for the first time. Some folks have found the inspiration to write a song or tune at camp, and the evening concert has debuted some keepers.
You never know what will happen, it all depends on who shows up. Will it be you?
Please note: you must be a member of the San Francisco Folk Music Club to attend Camp Harmony. Join us today!
All campers will need to show proof of a negative Covid test when arriving at camp. Please read Camp Harmony’s Covid and Cancellation policies.
Camp Harmony registration closed for 2023-24 at noon December 12 and there was no late registration. All prices included meals. Housing was be assigned on first-come basis. Attendees may come for all or part. We welcome newcomers, and if you will be a first-time attendee, please feel free to email or phone with your questions.
The Venue: Camp Newman is nestled in the hills between Santa Rosa and Calistoga in the shade of redwoods. Newly rebuilt since the 2017 Tubbs fire, facilities include a modern spacious dining hall, a Community Center with wooden dance floor, and The Lodge with a central fireplace room. There are additional spaces for concerts, Arts & Crafts, workshops and jamming. Buildings are centrally grouped and ADA accessible; we will be providing a van to transport you and your instruments around the camp.
Housing: Camp Newman offers several housing options, and rates are set accordingly. This location is remote from any off-site lodging, and no drop-in or day use registration wass offered this year. The online registration form provided space to explain any accessibility needs. Campers should bring bedding (sheets & blankets or sleeping bag, pillow, etc). Camp Newman provided linens (fitted and top sheet, pillowcase, pillow, blanket and towel) for an additional $25.
• Economy cabins have four sets of bunk beds, indoor heating and bathroom. No one will be placed in an upper bunk unless they ask for one.
• Semi-private accommodations hold two campers. Rooms have twin or queen beds, indoor heating, bathroom, microwave and fridge.
• RV and camping spaces are available with limited power for RVs.
Meals: Registration rates included three delicious meals a day. Each camper day starts and ends at 2 pm, and includes dinner on the day you arrive, and breakfast and lunch the next day. All meals will be prepared by Camp Newman staff who will do their very best to accommodate individual dietary preferences. When you register you have the option of choosing gluten-free, dairy-free, omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. If you have additional dietary needs, please contact our registrars.
Payment: You can pay online using a credit card, debit card, PayPal account, or by check. If you choose to pay by check, the site and your confirmation email will tell you where to mail your check.
If you encounter any difficulties, please email campnewharmony@gmail.com (preferred), or phone (415) 987-0502 (before 9 pm) with your questions. Either call OR email, but don’t do both! Please be patient, we are volunteers.
Camperships: For those who would not otherwise be able to attend camp, the Club offers fee reductions known as “camperships.” If you are able to donate to the Campership Fund, remember it is tax-deductible, and you will be helping someone get to camp who may be someone you will miss if they can’t attend. The funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the honor system. We encourage you to register early if asking for a campership. Instructions for applying for camperships are included in online registration.
Activities: Harmony is a self-made music camp for our club members of all ages and experience levels. Workshops include singing, dancing, tunes, and instrument instruction/technique, and there is a great deal of spontaneous jamming that occurs day and night. All workshops and activities are camper-led, and any camper can sign up to teach or lead a workshop. In addition, every night we have a concert and a dance. If you would like to lead a workshop, your registration confirmation gave you easy steps to secure your workshop(s) on the schedule, or you can sign up at camp. The final online version of the 2023-24 workshop schedule (there may have been some changes to it at camp) is here.
There is information in the November/December folknik, and visit us on Facebook!
We hope to see you at camp!