Camp Ponderoo will take place June 18-21, 2023 outside the Sisters Art Works building. The 4-day program will focus on musicianship and collaboration through ensemble practice and performances for the traditional bluegrass instruments of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and bass. Topics will also include music theory, singing, and harmony. Led by members of the professional Colorado-based bluegrass band FY5, the camp will explore the role of instrumentation in a bluegrass format and provide opportunities to form bluegrass ensembles. The ensembles will learn collaboration and performance skills, culminating in a final concert by the camp participants that will be open to the public.

Our "pay what you can" model ensures no one is limited to attend for financial reasons! Choose to "pay it forward" to support others in need.

Refund less $50 fee if cancelled by 4/18 (60 days); 50% refund less $50 fee if cancelled by 5/18 (30 days). No refunds after 5/18/23.

If camp is cancelled by Sisters Folk Festival Inc. full refunds will be issued to all campers.

FAQs:

1. Is there a minimum age to participate? Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old.

2. Where can I stay? On site dry camping is available for tents and small RVs (less than 24'), with porta-potties, potable water and handwashing stations provided. Camping opens Sunday, June 18 and campers will be assigned a check-in time to streamline the process. All campers must be broken down and off the venue no later than noon on Wednesday, June 21; sorry we can't accommodate late stays because of event setup for Big Ponderoo. Generator use is not allowed at Sisters Art Works camping. Jam campers may also elect to stay in lodging in the town of Sisters or camp elsewhere. There are numerous vacation rentals in Sisters through Air BnB, VRBO, Vacasa, etc. We strongly encourage campers to investigate those options well in advance, as accommodations book up early in Sisters.

3. Are meals provided? There will be a community-building BBQ on the second night. Campers are on their own for all other meals. The camp location is located within walking distance to several restaurants and food trucks. Propane grills and cookstoves are allowed at SAW camping.

4. Can I arrive early? No.

5. Can I bring my spouse/partner with me if they are not participating in camp? One person not attending camp can camp with you in your tent or RV, but cannot attend any of the Jam Camp programs with the exception of performances. If they would like to attend the Bar-B-Q dinner, please select that add-on when you check out.

6. Can I bring a pet? Only service animals are permitted at Camp.

COVID-19 POLICY: By registering to attend 2023 Camp Ponderoo, camper acknowledges that they are aware of the contagious nature of COVID-19 and the risk that they may be exposed to or contract COVID-19 anywhere that there is person-to-person contact, including while on premises of and engaging in this event. By attending this event, ticket purchaser knowingly and voluntarily accepts the risk of contracting COVID-19 and acknowledge that their attendance is fully voluntary. Furthermore, attendee agrees to waive and release SFF Inc., its officers, directors, employees, artists, vendors, contractors, and volunteers of all liability. Purchaser agrees to read and comply with the safety precautions associated with the event that are communicated to them by Camp Ponderoo.

Attendees at Camp Ponderoo will not be required two wear a mask or show proof of vaccination unless required by local, state or federal regulation. Patrons, staff, crew, volunteers and performers may wear masks at their personal discretion. Camp Ponderoo recommends that high-risk individuals who choose to attend wear a mask.

For questions please contact:
info@sistersfolkfestival.org.