Immersed in water and woods, this gathering offers a space to let your creative songwriting and song-leading loose in a safe, guided setting. Each songwriting session includes tips, prompts, and relaxed space to write your own lyrics and music while paddling down the St. Croix National Scenic River or wandering the woods. Together we’ll explore writing zipper songs, rounds, chants, call and response, and layered harmonies that are simple and effective for collective group singing.

Each day participants will teach their newly created songs to the group, and practice community song-leading skills. Our facilitator, Jane Ramseyer Miller, will coach each artist to build confidence and joy as a song-leader.

Are you a poet that wants to work with an emerging songwriter? We can pair artists up to create songs as a team. Want to write songs but not lead them? No problem.

Anyone, regardless of skill level or experience, is welcome.

Registration: Artists may choose between indoor housing and camping on the grounds. The weekend concludes with a community singing session with invited friends and family, and an opportunity to lead and share the songs you have created. There are only eight beds available in the house, and they will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The spaces are shared with access to private restrooms.

Option 1: $475 (includes shared housing, canoe trip, and some meal prep)

Option 2: $350 (includes campsite, canoe trip, and some meal prep)

Option 3: $250 (canoe trip and some meal prep)

What to bring: Clothing appropriate for canoeing, hiking and swimming. Any personal items and snacks you prefer to have and your preferred instruments and writing materials.

Lead: Jane Ramseyer Miller

Registration is through Eventbrite