Old School Bluegrass Camp

JULY 1-5, 2026

Old School Campgrounds

Elphin, Ontario

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

297153093_787434832552262_8975262177739232096_n-edited.jpg

Welcome to the Old School Bluegrass Camp, a weeklong, hands-on immersion into acoustic music. For one week every July, Old School Bluegrass Camp transforms into a vibrant village of musicians. We are an adult music camp dedicated to the preservation and evolution of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, old time, roots, country, and folk music.

Old School is a place to refine your sound, gain performance confidence, write some new music, and build a lasting community. All while sharing the music we love.

Is Old School Right For You? While the camp is not designed for absolute beginners, it is a great environment for pickers looking to take the next step. If you can play a few chords and simple tunes, even if you are new to the bluegrass genre or hesitant about jamming, you will find your place at camp.

Get ready to be challenged by world-class musicians and inspired by your fellow campers through:

Band Labs: You’ll join a band, rehearse, and arrange songs under the guidance of one of our instructors
Daily Instrument Classes: Group-based instruction on your registered instrument with a class size capped at 10 students per instructor.
Jam Sessions: From slow jams and song circles to late-night picking.
Nightly Concerts: Exclusive performances on the Old School stage, just for you!

Camp Registration Fees

Camper

$925+HST

Fee includes all group programming, camping, private lessons, band lab, instrument class, jams, concerts, and meals.

Companion

$350+HST

Must register with a Camper, may attend all group programming, jams, concerts, meals (*no band labs, instrument class, or private lessons)

Alumni

$350+HST

Attending independently, Alumni may attend all group programming, jams, concerts, meals (*no band labs, instrument class)

Camping Options

Old School Campgrounds

Campers are free to bring RVs, trailers, sleep in their vehicles, or sleep in their tent!

Single and Double Glamping Tents

Rent a tent from us that will be all set up for you when you arrive. Includes a real bed with mattress, clean warm bedding and pillows, side table, chair and battery powered lighting. Limited availability.

Single Glamping Tent

Rental Fee: $345 +HST

Double Glamping Tent

Rental Fee: $395 +HST

What's included in my camp fee?

Your registration is all-inclusive, covering your full tuition, camping, meals, and amenities:

All workshops, band labs, and instrument classes. This includes opportunities for private lessons or one-on-one guidance
Nightly performances and instructor concerts on the Old School stage
Spacious, un-serviced sites ("dry camping") for setting up your own tent and gear, or for parking your RV/Trailer. Please note: power/water hookups are not available at individual sites.
Access to clean, well-maintained outdoor washroom facilities and private, hot outdoor showers to keep you comfortable throughout the week.
Fresh potable well water, ice for beverages, and a designated secure storage area for your instruments when you are not playing.

Where is camp?

Old School Camps are held in the beautiful Lanark Highlands of eastern Ontario, in the hamlet of Elphin. Camp owners and directors Jenny Whiteley and Joey Wright are pleased to welcome you to their home, a century farm house surrounded by acres of rolling farmland, maple sugarbush, where you’ll be camping and learning.

Elphin is 3.5 hours from Toronto, 3.5 hours from Montreal, 1 hour from Kingston, Ontario, and just over an hour from Ottawa! The address and location will be emailed to you including directions after registration.

Ride-sharing can be facilitated, including pick-up from airports, train stations and bus terminals if needed. Send us a note with questions. Parking is adjacent to the camping area on-site.

When is camp?

Old School Summer Camp is always the first weekend of July (starting on Wednesday). Exact arrival times are emailed to registered campers.

What’s a typical day at Old School Bluegrass Camp like?

8:00am – Early Bird Coffee Time
9:00am – Breakfast
10:00am – Hands-On Instrument Class (with 10 students maximum)
11:30am – Workshop (eg: Stage Fright Bootcamp- bring your instruments!)
12:30pm – Lunch (sign up for open mic)
2:00pm – Band Lab (working with instructor to learn, arrange and perform your new repertoire with your group!)
3:30pm – Free Time
4:30pm – Workshop (Three-Chord-Wonders – bring your instrument!)
6:00pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Instructor Concert on Sunset Stage
8:30pm – Slow Jam in the Pavilion
10:00pm – Fireside Jam Sessions