SAVE THE DATE!

2019 Spring Thing

May 24 – 26, 2019

EARLY BIRD TICKETS GO ON SALE IN FEBRUARY!

Join the Philadelphia Folksong Society for a getaway weekend in the Poconos at Camp Canadensis, filled with workshops, song circles, sings, and jams in a beautiful lake-side setting! Reconnect with music and nature in a welcoming and creative community.

At Spring Thing, folkies of all ages take over a sprawling summer camp as a pop-up community of musicians and music-lovers, a magical “Folk Brigadoon” weekend in the woods.

Attendee-led instrument and craft workshops, song shares, and sings fill the days, as well as all your favorite Summer Camp activities: swimming, boating, and kayaking in the lake; perfecting your waterslide form in the pool; basketball and other sporting facilities; and miles of wooded trails with plenty of serenity for nature lovers.

Evenings, enjoy dinner in the spacious dining hall or deck overlooking the lake, followed by endless musical and leisure opportunity: perform or take in the open mic or kid’s open stage; set up an impromptu song writing session with new friends; take in a movie at the camp theater; or wander the grounds following the sounds of cabin jams.

For night owls, head to the campfire for s’mores and jamming all night long—a Spring Thing tradition that keeps the Fest vibes going all year long.

Bring your instruments, your friends & family, and your favorite tunes: Spring Thing’s a-coming! RSVP on Facebook now.

Sample Spring Thing Schedule

Friday 

2pm: Registration opens in the Dining Hall! Come on down.
5pm: Potluck Dinner! Bring something yummy to share.
7:30pm – 10:30pm: Relaxed evening activities, perhaps a songwriters circle and a Big Folkin’ Jam on the back porch. 

Saturday

8am-9am: Cold breakfast (and COFFEE!)
9am-10am: Hot breakfast 
10am – 1pm: Morning Workshop Sessions 
1pm – 2pm: Lunch 
2pm – 5:30pm: Afternoon Workshop Sessions 
5:30pm – 7pm: Dinner 
7pm – 10pm: Open Stage 
7pm – 9pm: Family Campfire 
10pm – ???: Late Night Jamming 

Sunday

8:30am – 10am: Cold breakfast (and MORE COFFEE!)
11am – 12pm: Brunch 
12pm – 5pm: Workshop Sessions 
5pm – 7pm: Dinner 
Time TBD: Kids Open Stage 
10pm: Guests without a Sunday overnight ticket must depart 

Optional: For just $25, stay overnight with Monday breakfast! ($20 to stay with NO breakfast)

Frequently Asked Questions: AKA, “What’s this all about?”

Curious about Spring Thing? Here are some questions we get a lot that might be helpful!

Q: I’ve never been to Spring Thing before. Is this event for me? 
A: Yes! Absolutely! While some folks have attended Spring Thing for many years, every year welcomes new attendees who discover a new world and an open community.  

Q: I don’t play an instrument or sing. Is Spring Thing for me? 
A: Yes! Absolutely! You don’t have to play music to participate in the Spring Thing community. There is plenty of listening and sharing to be done, and the Camp facilities provide an abundance of extracurricular activities, including lake sports, a pool, and hiking trails.  

Q: My kids don’t play an instrument or sing. Should they attend? Will there be anything for them to do? 
A: Yes! Absolutely! There are plenty of activities for young folks at Spring Thing, including the opportunity to learn some basics of music-making through youth-friendly workshops. But that’s not all! There are a variety of activities, like craft workshops, face painting, caricature drawing, juggling, and table top gaming. There is also all that the Camp facilities has to offer, like ball fields and courts; a lovely lake with a beach, volley ball net, and canoeing, kayaking, and swimming; a pool with TWO water slides; hiking trails, including an idyllic wooded waterfall; and a movie theater where features play all day and night, including morning cartoons!  

Q: Do I have to come for the whole weekend? 
A: Nope! There are also Saturday-only or Sunday-only tickets available. Sunday overnight is an optional add-on for all attendees for $20 ($25 with breakfast). But trust us: you’ll want to be there for all the fun!

Q: Do I have to share a cabin with strangers? 
A: While making new friends can be part of the magic of Spring Thing weekend, we understand that some folks might prefer to bunk with people they know. We are happy to accommodate requests to bunk with specific attendees whenever possible. If you have a group of 10 or more, contact Jennifer Rajotte at jrajotte@pfs.org for information about a Full Cabin Rate!

Q: Is there a deadline to register?  
A: Spaces at Spring Thing are available on a first-come, first served basis, so register early to ensure your slot! Registration will remain open until all slots are filled.  

Q: What kinds of workshops are there at Spring Thing? 
A: A unique quality of Spring Thing is that the workshops and activities are devised and led by attendees, meaning YOU get to help decide what’s for offer! Themed jams and song circles are favorites, and we also encourage hands-on instruction and practical topics, such as Ernie’s popular “Audio 101, Musicians Edition” or “Advanced Uke Strumming.” Family and youth-oriented workshops are also encouraged. Crafts, yoga, dance, and napkin-folding have all taken place at our get-aways… the possibilities are endless! 

We will also include a place during registration to make suggestions of topics you’d like to see, which we’ll share so that others know there is indeed interest.

Q: How do I sign up to run a workshop or activity? 
A: The first step is to register to attend Spring Thing! Once you are registered as an attendee, you will receive an email from PFS with instructions and a link to sign up as a workshop leader.  

NEW FOR 2019: Have a teen or young folkie who’s interested in learning how to run a workshop? We’ll match them with a workshop mentor who will help them plan and execute their very own activity! 

Q: Is there a deadline to sign up to run a workshop or activity? 
A: Yes! This year, we are asking everyone to sign up to run a workshop BEFORE May so that we can share a tentative schedule in advance—something that past attendees have asked for. In order to ensure you get a slot, and at a preferred time, sign up before May 1. 

Q: Does everyone have to sign up for a work shift? When does that happen? 
A: Spring Thing is a cooperative endeavor where everyone pitches in to make it happen by signing up to run a workshop or activity, and/or to pitch in on a work shift. If necessary, we may ask workshop leaders to take a work shift as well. While Camp Canadensis provides meals and basic staffing such as life guards, everyone lends a helping hand to make the weekend go smoothly. Work shifts also offer a great way to get to know other Spring Thingers!  

Work shifts for our younger attendees are at the discretion of guardians, but we encourage Spring Thingers of ALL ages to pitch in and strongly recommend those aged 15+ sign up. Youngsters may want to sign up with a guardian. 

Work shift sign-ups will take place in May, and this year we will try to provide a tentative schedule in advance so that you can plan accordingly. As always, sign up early to ensure you get your preferred assignment. All remaining work shifts will be available at Registration.

Q: What kind of jobs are work shifts? 
A: Work shifts are subject to change depending on needs, but typically include light set up and breakdown of chairs for Open Stages; driving golf cart taxis around the grounds, offering rides; helping at registration and merch sales; helping guests park and directing them upon arrival; and assisting with tie dye. All good fun!

Q: Why is Spring Thing so expensive?
A: No one wants cost to become a barrier to participation! Spring Thing is priced to cover baseline expenses of renting the camp, providing meals, supplies, and other necessary expenses. We try to make it more affordable by offering discounts for buying early, offering cheaper rates for teens and children, and welcoming children under 7 for free. Sunday overnight is offered as an add-on so that those who are unable to stay are not charged. As always, Members save, and this year there are discounts available for groups of 10 or more. In all, a weekend get-away for under $200 (and as little as $130) isn’t a bad deal!

PFS is eagerly seeking partners and sponsors to contribute to the weekend and further reduce expenses. If you are interested in hearing about personalized sponsorship packages, contact Jennifer at jrajotte@pfs.org.

Questions?

Contact Katie at kkresz@pfs.org