a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
Yes! This camp is for musicians, singers, and fans of traditional American music. Typically, most of the campers in our intensive classes 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 class. Usually about 10-15% of our campers are kids, and we are always looking for more young people to keep this music going into the future. It is definitely a family-friendly event, and the multi-generational aspect of camp is one of its best and most unique features.
We also have a program specifically for our youngest campers, which combines music with arts and crafts, nature walks, and other fun activities, but with music as the major theme. We call it Music & More (“M&Ms” for short). M&Ms is designed for 6-13 year olds and if your student is under 10 we recommend they start here— it’s less intensive, designed for a younger attention span, and a lot of fun. M&M’s students can go to any afternoon elective classes to supplement their musical studies, and we also offer elective classes that are fun for all ages, such as clogging, hambone, play-party games, etc. M&Ms students can either attend the whole camp, or just come for the weekend. If your student is outside the M&M’s age range but you feel they are ready for class please Email our M&M’s director, Krishna Feeney.
Bluegrass is big at this camp, oldtime also, and additionally we include one other style of traditional American music at each camp (rotating), which could be: Jugband, Celtic (the roots!), Swing, Classic Country, etc.
Typically we have over 200 campers, plus about 45 people on staff.
Yes. For the cost of meals and lodging or camping, plus a contribution to the camp, your non-musician family members are welcome to accompany you, and they may attend any of the evening activities. If they want to attend afternoon activities as well, that can be arranged for additional fees.
If your family includes young children, as mentioned above we offer a special class for children who are not yet ready for camp, but interested in music. This class, called Music & More (M&Ms), meets in the mornings from 9:30 to 12:15, with kid-friendly elective classes in the afternoons also. Students will have a chance to learn about, and try out, some of the bluegrass/oldtime instruments. They will participate in fun, interactive experiences, which may include singing, dancing, performance, crafts, nature walks, garden/farm animals tour, games and a mid-morning snack each day. In the afternoons, they may attend the elective classes, some of which will be set up specially for them. We keep the cost of this program low and family-friendly, and scholarship assistance is available as needed.
No, sorry. All minors (under 18) need to be accompanied by an adult guardian (not necessarily a parent) who is responsible for them. The exception is Music & More campers who are just coming as day campers for that class.
No, pets are not allowed at Walker Creek Ranch (service animals excepted). But there are many animals to enjoy at the ranch!
Yes, if you sign up for a mixed instrument class; otherwise not. This is so class sizes don’t get too big, and teachers can get to know their students and build each day on what was worked on the previous day.
The rest of the time, during the jams, elective classes, and office hours, you’re free to participate with any instrument you want, and work with any instructor you want. So, for example, if you are in a guitar class in the morning, you can take an elective class for mandolin in the afternoon, and play banjo at an evening jam session.
All of those instruments are welcome in some of our group classes (Oldtime String Band, Bluegrass Jamming, etc). And if you request it, we can offer elective classes specifically for any of them in the afternoon schedule.
Our group classes (Oldtime String Band, Bluegrass Jam Class, etc.) are appropriate for beginners as well as intermediates, so if you’re a beginner (advanced beginner actually) on any of the stringed instruments, check out those classes. We also occasionally offer beginner classes in the more popular instruments; this varies from camp to camp.
In most of the morning classes (the ones you sign up for in advance), the average class size is 10-12 students (or up to 20 if the class is co-taught by two instructors). There is a teacher and a teaching assistant in each class, so the overall student/teacher ratio is about five to one. Afternoon elective class sizes vary.
If you are on a waiting list for one of the morning classes, you’ll be offered the opportunity to come just for the afternoon and evening classes at a reduced price (tuition is less for this option; meals and lodging same price). Then if space opens up in the morning class of your choice, you can upgrade and become a full-time camper. A limited number of campers can do this even if they’re not on a waiting list. Mornings only may also be a possibility.
WRONG. This is a privately run camp at a county run facility and ALL GUESTS MUST REGISTER, even if you just come for a few hours, and regardless of whether you attend any classes or not. Call for rates, which will vary depending on how long you’ll be there and for which activities, meals purchased, etc. Drop-ins are discouraged; we much prefer that you arrange this in advance, especially for any meals and lodging, and prices will be lower the more notice you give us. Thank you for your consideration!
Seating is limited for the staff concert. It may be possible, but you need to ASK FIRST if there will be room, well ahead of camp if possible. This is usually a million dollar show and all guests must pay the Walker Creek Ranch day use fee of $35. With a full camp, we may have to say no to guests for this show, PLEASE check in about it in advance.
Guests are generally welcome at the student concert, but again we ask that you please arrange this with us before camp. For the student concert, we need the day use fee as mentioned above, plus we invite you to make a donation of any amount to the scholarship fund.
If guests want to join you for dinner, we ask that you PLEASE arrange this well in advance; all last-minute dinner requests are end-of-line availability only.
Please call if you’re having trouble with the registration system and we’ll help you sign up. And yes, you can pay by credit card.
Online registration opens at NOON. Since the camp is becoming ever more popular, we may have to accept just the first 10-12 people who sign up for each morning class on the first day; after that, the options will be a second choice class that’s still open, or waiting list.
Yes, if you are unable to pay your full registration fee, you can pay a deposit of 25% of your tuition/lodging fee to reserve your place at camp. The balance can be paid over time using the Make a Payment option in the Registration menu. If the balance is not paid in full two weeks before the start of camp, your registration will be canceled and your deposit will be forfeited.
In the unlikely event that camp is canceled for whatever reason, you are entitled to a full refund of your paid Tuition/Lodging fees. Refund Policy
Note – Commercial event/trip insurance is available at a low cost to campers for cancellations and we encourage you to purchase coverage for your tuition/lodging costs in the event you can’t make it to camp. Visit SquareMouth Travel Insurance for details and price quotes.
Most of the scholarships are intended for young people — kids, students, or other young adults with limited funds. There are two types of scholarships available: full scholarships, which cover the full price of attending camp; and partial scholarships.
Most scholarships are partial scholarships — you pay as much as you can for your food and lodging and your class tuition will be paid out of the scholarship fund. In this way, we are able to accommodate everyone who needs financial assistance.
There are also a few full scholarships available. These are intended for very low-income young people who are devoted to their music. If this sounds like you, your child, or someone you know, please call 707-579-1429 to apply.
The scholarship program is made possible largely through the donations of generous campers who pay a little (or in some cases, a lot!) extra to help fund it. Many, many, many thanks to all those generous people!
Yes, we have a work trade program available! If you would like to come to camp but need some financial assistance, we have about 10-12 work-trade positions available every camp. These positions are for older teens or adults who would be willing to help during camp events and with tasks such as serving ice cream, helping at happy hour, directing parking, etc. The cost of class tuition will be covered for campers participating in the work-trade program, however work-trade campers are still responsible for their lodging and meal costs. If further assistance or scholarship is needed for these costs, please reach out to discuss options. We always try to accommodate everyone, regardless of financial means.
If you would like to apply for the work-trade program, please Contact Assistant Director Lily Reid. Classes and work-trade positions fill quickly so make sure to apply early.
Don’t assume you’re registered for camp unless you receive a confirmation e-mail letter! This letter will confirm which class you’re signed up for, which type of lodging, etc. and will be signed by the director. Not to be confused with the Paypal confirmation e-mail that you receive immediately upon registering. All applicants receive an additional confirmation e-mail within 10 days of registering.
Only if you attend as a commuter and don’t sleep on site.
If you buy lodging or camping on site, meals are part of the package provided by Walker Creek Ranch. So take a break from cooking and enjoy three great meals a day. You’ll be glad you did — the food is really good and eating with everyone in the dining hall is a fun part of the camp experience.
You might want to bring are some late-night snacks. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., but the music goes on into the wee hours and if you stay up late, you may appreciate a snack or refreshment. Please store any food you bring in animal-proof containers.
You can sign up for vegetarian meals and other common dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten free, etc). There is a place to note your dietary needs in the online registration form.
If necessary, you can bring supplementary food to meet your special needs. There is refrigerator space for this purpose, and there are kitchenettes in some of the lodges.
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.
Not full hook-ups, but electricity is available for RVs — however it’s a limited system so we ask you to minimize your use (microwaves etc. may blow the circuits).
Yes, there’s a central bathhouse with showers available to all campers.
Usually the answer to this is no, because other groups are there before and after we are. But we can refer you to two nearby campgrounds: KOA in Petaluma, or Olema Ranch Campground in Olema.
Spring weather here is nothing if not unpredictable. The weather can be sunny, rainy, windy, cool, or warm, or sometimes all of these things in the same day. Temperatures probably will range from the 40s to the low 60s.
Fall is often beautiful weather — mild daytime temperatures and generally dry. It can be quite cold at night — you’ll want a really good down sleeping bag or plenty of blankets. We can’t promise no rain, but it’s often lovely and dry with warm, sunny days. Just be well prepared for chilly nights.
There are plenty of heated indoor rooms for evening jamming — if you’re dry and warm enough in your tent to sleep, that’s all you really need to do there. But we try to save dorm space for campers to upgrade to if the weather turns out to be undesirable for camping.
Do check the weather forecast, and prepare accordingly.
Space is limited for private rooms at Walker Creek Ranch — most of the rooms are designed for shared use. But yes, there are a limited number of private rooms available (they cost more). First come, first served — sign up early! they often sell out the first day registration opens.
We can arrange overflow lodging about 15 minutes away on beautiful Tomales Bay at waterfront vacation rentals. There are also plenty of motels available in Petaluma and Novato (25 minutes away).
Please note that private and semi-private lodging is available for full-time campers only. Half-time campers can be on a waiting list for a room if one is available the week before camp, or stay at other off-site lodging.
Economy lodging is dorm-style housing: the rooms just have bunk beds in them and nothing else. You need to bring your own bedding and towels. Linen sets (sheets, pillow, towel & washcloth) can be provided if you order in advance, for an additional fee of $40. Generally, each person will have one bunk bed, so you can sleep on the bottom and keep your belongings on top, or vice versa.
Semi-private lodging is more like motel-style housing: the rooms have single twin beds, dressers, nightstands, reading lamps, closets, etc. Bedding and towels are provided.
In both cases, bathrooms are shared with the rest of the lodge.
Not exactly, no. Bathrooms are down the hall; several of them for each lodge. That’s the best we can do at this site; it’s not like a hotel but it seems to work for most people. If you want to have your own bathroom, we recommend off-site lodging.
First of all, remember that Walker Creek Ranch is about 25 minutes on curvy back roads from the nearest large towns, Petaluma and Novato, and 15 minutes away from the nearest small store/deli in Marshall.
That said, you can get information about Petaluma services from the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce, Novato from the Novato Chamber of Commerce, and West Marin from Point Reyes National Seashore.
Other nearby lodging can be found by searching AirBnb for Marshall, CA vacation rentals. Motels in Petaluma or Novato are farther away but less expensive.
The closest restaurants are in Marshall: Tony’s Seafood owned by Hog Island Oyster Co. and Nick’s Cove. The Marshall Store is open from 11 to 4 and serves great food at good prices The Marshall Store. These are all on the waterfront with great ambience. And there are many places to choose from in Petaluma or Novato, Point Reyes Station, etc.
Yes, and you can text and email over WiFi, provided your phone or device has WiFi calling and messaging capabilities enabled.
No, not right at the ranch, unless you go for an invigorating hike up the hill, then you will probably get reception. Alternatively, you can drive about 5 minutes west to the top of a big hill; most cell phones get reception there, we call it the “phone booth”. There are also a few pay phones at the ranch that you can use to call out.
Yes, Tall Toad Music is 25 minutes west of the ranch in Petaluma.
Driving directions will be included with pre-camp information. If you want to look it up before then, the address is 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Rd, Petaluma CA 94952.
If you’re flying to the Bay Area, there are buses which run from both San Francisco and Oakland airports to Novato or Petaluma, and we can find you a ride from there, or possibly from the airport. See Groome Transportation (formerly Airport Express), or Marin Airporter for schedule.
Carpooling is in! If you are interested in sharing a ride to camp, indicate that when you register and you’ll be put you in contact with any others from your area who are also interested in carpooling. Ditto if you can give someone a ride.
You can arrive anytime After 2 PM on the first day of camp. Please don’t come earlier than that. Thank you!
Yes. On the first day, after registration and early-bird classes, dinner is from 6:00-6:45, and the evening program starts at 7:15 — what you’ll miss if you get in late that night are some elective classes, staff introductions and some fun first-night activities, but you’ll still be on time for your morning class (which starts 9:30 a.m. the next day). You can also arrive early on the second morning. Regardless of when you arrive, you need to check in and register when you get there.
Many of the teacher’s assistants will. Some of the instructors might also, but many of them are pretty fried by the end of the day and need some down time to be off duty and rested for the next day. There will be some jams scheduled with the instructors as afternoon elective choices, and maybe a few in the evenings also—that will be your best chance to jam with the teachers.
There is also a nightly Teacher Jam in the Life Lab w/snacks & beverages, so you can enjoy that too.
We have a designated staff table in the dining hall. This is not meant to be elitist; meals are just the best time for us to have staff meetings. At lunch the instructors meet at the staff table. At dinner the teacher’s assistants do, and the instructors eat with everyone else. At breakfast there are no staff meetings, so you are welcome to sit with staff members wherever they’re sitting, including at the staff table. So the answer to this question is, yes for two of the three meals each day.
Our volunteers serve as teacher assistants in the morning classes and help run the camp in many other ways. If you’re interested in doing this, you should know about what’s involved.
Everyone at camp, staff and students alike, has time to have fun, but if you’re on staff it is hoped that you’re sincerely interested in doing what you can to help make the camp be all it can be for the students, and help the directors get the behind-the-scenes work done so that camp runs smoothly. In order to make the camp a positive experience for all campers, every volunteer should be comfortable with being an ambassador for camp and behaving in a helpful and professional manner while at camp, for example, helping campers find opportunities to play with people of similar interests.
We need at least one person at each camp to help out with our Music & More program, which involves being musical and great with kids (aged preschool to pre-teen).
Most of the rest of our volunteers serve as teaching assistants, and for one of those positions you should be fairly proficient on at least one instrument, or preferably two, (and/or be a good singer), and be interested in, or better yet have some experience in, teaching or helping teach. To this end, it helps to have at least one reference from someone the director knows and trusts, like for example any of the instructors we have worked with in the past.
As a teaching assistant, you are assigned to one of the intensive classes. What the teacher requires of you will be different in different classes. For example, a good guitar player could be assigned to a guitar class, but might also be useful to a fiddle or bass class where the instructor wants someone to play along with the class on a different instrument. One thing that is common for all teaching assistants during the intensive class is that they are responsible for making sure that the instructor has what they need to teach effectively. This includes the comfort and fitness of the class location, e.g. knowing where the thermostat is and making sure there is sufficient room for the students, and handling any needs that may occur during class, like getting extra photocopies or office supplies that the teacher needs. They can also help the instructor maintain order in the class by reminding students to refrain from noodling when the instructor is speaking or demonstrating a technique to the class. Beyond that, the instructor may ask you to accompany them or help a subgroup of the class with an exercise, but again, that depends on the particular instructor.
Teaching assistants are usually assigned to several musical activities outside of the intensive class. This could be teaching an elective workshop, leading a jam, playing for a dance. A few assistants are also involved in running camp in other ways such as stage-managing one of the concerts.
Then there are certain skills outside of camp that can help us. For example, help is always needed with publicity. This involves knowing your way around the internet and being able to find where musicians are likely to discover links to the camp website, chatting it up on social media, contacting radio stations, newspapers, newsletters, music teachers, etc. and helping make sure we have promo materials at bluegrass and oldtime events. If this is something you’d be good at and like to do, you would be a very valuable volunteer and since most of this work happens before camp, you wouldn’t be obligated to do as much work at the camp itself.
Graphic artists also could provide valuable help, website managers and other people who are good with computers in general.
Finally, know that we are trying to build a team of assistants who are willing to commit to coming to most or all of our camps and take on at least one other camp job besides helping out in class; in other words, with some exceptions this works out best on a semi-permanent basis.
If some or all of this is sounding like it has your name on it, get in touch and we can talk about it. These positions, when they’re available, fill up fast, so the best time to apply is immediately after camp ends, e.g spring for fall camp. Email director Michael Bryant or call 707 579-1429.
Generally there will be some local California teachers hired for each camp, along with some from out of state. Most are nationally known; some less well known but great teachers. Great teachers is the key word(s) here — the camp benefits from having great players around, but equally important is people who are good at, and really enjoy, teaching. At the same time, we strive for most of our staff to be well known in the world of traditional music. So these are some of the things that are considered in making decisions about who to bring to camp.
If it sounds like you might fit this description (great player/performer, fantastic teacher, working in the field and somewhat well-known), get in touch and we’ll talk. Email director Michael Bryant at call (707) 579-1429.
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