SongRoots Summer Camp - August 31-Sept 4 2026!
Join our incredible line-up of instructors for 5 musical and magical days in July!
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SUNDAY Jan 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am PST
Registration for SongRoots 2026 will begin Sunday January 25th 2026. We are so excited to be hosting SongRoots for our 13th YEAR!!
SongRoots is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive community. We welcome people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientation, gender identities, differing abilities, cultural backgrounds and spiritual beliefs to find joy in singing and being together. We celebrate diversity and deeply believe that we are stronger together.
Cost for SongRoots this year will be $1050 + $100 Registration Fee + GST
Cost includes everything - full tuition, accommodations, all meals and water taxi.
Read below to learn about the Camp 2 Instructors!!
Instructors - Aug 31st-Sept 4th
Dawn Pemberton
Vibrant, genuine and soulful, Dawn has deep musical roots that take her powerful voice from gospel and soul to jazz, funk and world music. Dawn has her B.Mus in Jazz Studies from Capilano University and is a certified teacher in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method.
She has become a staple of the Vancouver music scene and can often be found tearin’ it up as a vocalist, pianist, teacher, musical director, vocal coach, adjudicator, choir director and “go to girl” for live performances and studio sessions. She currently is on faculty in the Musical Theatre Department at Capilano University and hosts her own funk, soul, and r&b show called, “Get on The Good Foot” on CKUA Radio. She has also spent her time touring with her own original music project as well as, Moira Smiley + VOCO, Vox.Infold, The Bluesberries, and Canadian blues juggernaut,The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. Dawn has toured extensively throughout Canada and Europe and has performed with musical greats such as Bettye LaVette, John Boutte, Kenny Werner, Kurt Elling, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Randy Bachman, Ruthie Foster, The Hamiltones, The Sojourners, Linda Tillery and has opened for musical heavyweights such as Maceo Parker, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Philosopher Kings and Lee Fields. Dawn is the founder and Artistic Director of Roots ‘N’ Wings Women’s Choir and teaches masterclasses and workshops all over North America. Dawn’s debut solo album, Say Somethin’, released on DoRight! Music won Best Urban Recording at the 2015 Western Canadian Music Awards and has received praise from around the globe forecasting her as “…the new queen of Canadian soul.” A passionate educator and performer, Dawn approaches music with a sense of adventure, quirkiness, and serious groove and shapes it into her own unique and dynamic package. Tight, expressive and bold, Dawn will hit you where it counts, funk you up and make you say “Go ‘head!”.
Gideon Crevoshay
Gideon Crevoshay is a musician from the hills of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. He uses the human voice to explore the countless dimensions of sound, language, and improvisation. Gideon studies traditional and ancient forms of singing from the US, Caucasus, and Mediterranean, finding inspiration in the wisdom contained within these traditions and how they can inform present ideas of music making and community. He performs regularly with many projects including Tenores de Aterúe, Resonanda, Starry Mountain Singers, and Briars of North America, and is grateful to have been able to perform with such artists as Meredith Monk, Cynthia Hopkins, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Gideon has taught youth-oriented songwriting and sound production courses with Found Sound Nation, and teaches polyphonic singing to young adults with the world music organization, Village Harmony.
Jennifer Scott
Jennifer Scott is a singer and pianist born in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She specializes in jazz, blues, and world music. She is considered one of the more important jazz artists working in Canada and the United States today.
As well as being a performer, she arranges and writes jazz and pop tunes, with several CDs containing a combination of original tunes, tunes she has arranged, and more traditional tunes.
She has also appeared on many CBC recordings and has worked with many other musicians both live and in studio.
Jenny Lester
Jenny Lester is a dynamic Bluegrass performer and recording artist who has established herself as an important singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist.
Her original songs are carefully crafted in the bluegrass convention while displaying a contemporary freshness and that breathes new life into the fabled “high lonesome” sound.
She studied at South Plains College in Texas and has three Golden Reel awards.
Kali Paguirigan
Kali Paguirigan is a singer and teacher who lived for many years in Brooklyn, NY, before moving to Denver with her Colorado-born husband. Kali is a classically trained singer with musical interests that are all over the map. She has long been interested in and sung music from all corners of the world, with a particular interest in Balkan singing and music of the African diaspora. Still, she is just as comfortable singing an operatic aria or other traditional classic singing styles. She loves helping singers sing whatever they want in their most authentic voice.
As a yogi and yoga teacher, Kali practices mantra singing and singing for release and wellness. Kali is the Artistic Director of the Denver Choir League and loves programming diverse concerts with local Denver musicians. She is also a founding member of a chamber group called ReSound, which specializes in music for string quartet and voice. She is thrilled to be attending and teaching at her first-ever Song Roots camp!
Karla Mundy
Karla Mundy is a vibrant, soulful and diverse vocalist, pianist, arranger and choir leader. Karla directs Rhythm ‘n’ Roots and Harmony Mountain Singers in Vancouver, the City Soul Choir and the Island Soul Choir on Vancouver Island. Karla leads harmony singing workshops throughout BC and organizes many singing camps, workshops and singing study trips abroad. Karla is a founding member of the No Sh!t Shirleys, TriVo, Cleia, Plough, Tanglewood Trio and Big Whoop! Karla is passionate about teaching harmony singing, getting the music off the page and digging deep into new musical territory.
Kathy Bullock
Dr. Kathy Bullock is a teacher, performer, conductor, arranger, and scholar who specializes in the area of African American Sacred Music. A Professor Emerita of Music at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky where she taught for almost thirty years, she is also currently a Visiting Professor at Bennington College, Bennington, VT.
Dr. Bullock earned the Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Theory from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and a B.A. in Music from Brandeis University, MA and has taught in a wide variety of musical areas.
She continues to perform, conduct workshops, direct choirs, and teaching courses in African American Music throughout the United States, Europe and Africa, sharing hope and joy during these challenging times.
Lexi Ugelow
Lexi is a vocalist, songwriter, expressive arts workshop and music education facilitator based in Cambridge, MA. She is a life long learner and lover of intergenerational community singing. A professional vocalist and self produced songwriter, Lexi has toured with groups such as Northern Harmony, Culomba, Honey & Soul and Road Dogs, performing and teaching workshops to adults and children.
Though her interests and experience with music spans from funk, to world folk music, you can be always be sure to expect some buttery harmonies. A firm believer that our bodies are our instruments, she encourages the practice of non-judgement during exploration of musical play.
Moving into her fifth year as co-music director for Sing Positive, Lexi continues to use music as a way to help others build community, confidence and self expression.
Lysander Jaffe
Lysander Jaffe is a Boston-based violinist, violist, and vocalist, equally at home in chamber music, traditional music, and cross-genre collaborations. Known for his command of East European and Mediterranean folk styles, he balances a busy international touring schedule with a commitment to community music in New England. He is a Co-Artistic Director of Grammy-nominated string orchestra Palaver Strings and a founding member of the Yiddish ensemble Levyosn and the vocal quintet Culomba. He has studied with masters of traditional music in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Greece, Corsica, and Georgia, and is a two-time recipient of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Apprenticeship in Traditional Arts. As a teacher, Lysander is passionate about broadening sonic and cultural horizons, teaching not only repertoire but listening skills and expressive vocabulary. He has taught for SongRoots and Village Harmony and directs two Boston-area choirs, SingPositive and Boston Harmony. Lysander holds a Masters in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory. For more information, visit lysanderjaffe.com
Mairi Britton
Màiri Britton is a Gaelic educator, musician, and project coordinator based in Unama’ki | Cape Breton. She works in numerous roles focused on uplifting and celebrating Gaelic language and culture, primarily as a Gaelic instructor and as Coordinator of the Cala Cainnte (Language Haven) project and Cainnt is Ceathramhan (Language and Lyrics) Gaelic folklore project.
As a musician, Màiri is in regular demand as a tutor and performer of Gaelic song, stepdance and Scottish harp and has toured as a member of Gaelic trad group Fàrsan. Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Màiri retains strong ties to her motherland and loves visiting tradition-bearers on both sides of the Atlantic to learn from their store of songs, stories and cultural wisdom.
Moira Smiley
Singer / Composer, Moira Smiley travels the world creating new works for voices and accompanying her performances with her banjo, accordion, piano, and percussive movement. Her recordings feature spare, vocally-driven collections of warped traditional songs and original polyphony.
In February, 2021 Moira Smiley & VOCO (with Karla Mundy + Dawn Pemberton!) released vocal album, In Our Voices. Moira also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live on KEXP At Home, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with Tune-Yards for their Sketchy album release.
In September 2024, Moira released The Rhizome Project, a book and album of folksongs with string quartet.
Mollie Stone
Mollie Stone serves as Choral Conductor at the University of Chicago, directing the University Chorus and Women's Ensemble. Stone is also the Co-Founder/Director of the Chicago World Music Chorus, and teaches internationally with the organization Village Harmony.Admin and SongRoots Team Extraordinaire!
Ali Romanow
Ali Romanow is a non-binary music educator located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada. Music has been part of their life since childhood, it has taken them over the world as both a performer and an educator. It is how they connect with others and has been a constant companion supporting them through life's ups and downs.
Ali’s main mission as a musical educator is to help build diverse, supportive and safe musical communities for people of all ages and levels of experience. We all deserve to play music together, regardless of your level of experience or skill. Together we will build the skills and confidence necessary to feel comfortable and confident making music with others. http://www.aliromanow.com
Wendy Knudson
Wendy is passionate about all aspects of music – organizing workshops, teaching, collaborating, and playing. From her living room to being onstage to time in the studio, Wendy sings, plays guitar, accordion, upright bass, ukulele and fiddle. She plays a broad variety of genres, ranging from Celtic, folk, gypsy jazz, Brazilian choro, to French café music, and western swing. Wendy has the great pleasure of teaching accordion, guitar, ukulele and fiddle to kids of all ages in Courtenay, BC.
Erinn Doncaster
Counsellor by day and harmony nerd by, well, also by day, Erinn has been singing harmonies for as long as they can remember.
When they’re not being a trauma therapist or belting out a third harmony along with whatever folk duo is playing on the radio, Erinn co-directs Fieramente (a choir for the 2SLBGTQIA+ community in the Comox Valley), sings back-up vocals, and teaches workshops on music and mental wellness.
Wendy Knudson, Ali & Bob Romanow help out with many aspects of SongRoots. One of their important roles is that of 'Float Crew'! These three people help get us all on and off of Gambier Island and help camp run smoothly.
Karla Mundy started SongRoots in July 2014 and is beyond thrilled at how this dream has taken root and is growing. After going to (and loving) many music camps and workshops, Karla thought it would be wonderful to have an all vocal camp in Western Canada. At most of the camps that Karla went to, there would be large overflowing and happy singing classes and she could imagine that a whole camp dedicated to singing would be wonderful. SongRoots is a chance to dig deeper, expand repertoire and styles and focus solely on the voice with others who love to sing in an intensive setting on a beautiful island away from our busy daily lives! Karla loves the sense of community that has emerged from SongRoots and is delighted by the musical and personal growth that happens every year during (and beyond) these 5 magical days!
CLASSES - Aug 31st - Sept 4th 2026
CLASS ONE
Stevie Wonder! w/ Dawn Pemberton (no limit)
Stevie Wonder! Imagine a choir that only sings Stevie Wonder tunes!
There will be lots of fun solos and sweet harmonies.
Everyone is welcome!
Songs of Resilience w/ Moira Smiley (no limit)
Together we will sing songs of connection and hope.
Singing to fuel, stabilize, ground, feed, inspired and fill our wells up!
All are welcome!
Classical Music & Madrigals for Everyone w/ Mollie Stone (no limit)
From the silliest falala-ing to the most melodramatic songs of pining, classical choral repertoire covers all the bases!
Come explore this fun and varied repertoire of beautiful and oh-so-satisfying harmony singing.
We strive to teach and sing classical music in an engaging and not-stuffy way, making the repertoire accessible to those who might not have much experience with it.
Some basic music reading is helpful, but certainly not required.
Ornamentation Bootcamp w/ Lysander Jaffe (limit 16 singers)
This class is all about ornaments! We'll explore a wide range of ornamented repertoire, particularly from the Balkans, Corsica, and eastern Georgia. We'll break down specific patterns and techniques, analyze recordings, explore some improvisation, and give everyone tools to continue the work on their own.
This class is intended for intermediate/advanced singers who are interested in exploring ornamentation in their singing.
Your Song, Your Artistry w/ Jennifer Scott (limit 8)
Bring your “close to performance ready” songs & work with Jennifer and the class on self-exploration and self-expression that get you to the heart of your authentic and heartfelt presentation.
Jennifer will accompany you on piano or you can self-accompany.
All song styles welcome.
3 Part Bluegrass Singing w/ Jenny Lester (no limit)
The 3-part harmony singing workshop teaches singers how to establish predictability and offers a shared dialogue. It guides 3-part harmony singers in maintaining a consistent harmony that aligns positionally with the melody, facilitating by ear the creation of instant three-part harmony.
The workshop focuses on helping individuals distinguish between folk harmony and organized harmony, resulting in lush, 3-part arrangements without the need for an arranger.
CLASS TWO
Voice Improvisation w/ Gideon Crevoshay (limit 12 singers)
Come Share The Joy of Gospel Music w/ Kathy Bullock - no limit
All Is Fair From The Lilith Fair w/ Kali Paguirigan (no limit)
Intro to Gaelic Song w/ Mairi Britton (no limit)
Songs of the Mountains w/ Lexi Ugelow (no limit)
Learn the basics of harmony singing!
Using a repertoire of Appalachian and other delicacies we'll practice singing multiple part harmony and work up to holding our own part.
Through singing exercises, breakouts, and coaching we'll have opportunities to form small groups and practice one on a part. rep examples: High on the Mountain, Over Yonder, Those Memories.
CLASS THREE
In a new concept for SongRoots camp, we are going to explore the third class as a team teaching experience. You can choose one of these classes, each led by 3 song leaders and each class will explore music and harmony singing related to these themes. The teachers will bring their individual area of expertise and specialties to the class and everyone is so excited to teach and learn together!
Gathering Songs w/ Kathy Bullock, 
Gideon Crevoshay and Mollie Stone (no limit)
With this amazing trio of song leaders you will learn and sing songs of struggle, resilience and strength drawing on music from different traditions and styles!
Nature Songs w/ 
Jenny Lester, Dawn Pemberton and Kali Paguirigan (no limit)
Gather in this glorious setting and sing to the elements with this cohort of uplifting teachers - honouring the sky, water, mountains and connecting us to the beauty and power of nature.
Songs to Carry You 
Through the Day w/ Mairi Britton, Lexi Ugelow and Jennifer Scott (no limit)
In this class we will explore songs to carry you through the day - morning, day and night. Work, family, play...
Cycles of Love and Life w/ Moira Smiley, Lysander Jaffe and Karla Mundy (no limit)
Moira, Lysander and Karla will explore songs and beautiful harmonies with songs that explore the cycles of love and life..
Monday August 31st-September 4th 2026
Monday August 31st - Water taxis will begin taking people from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier Island at 10:30 am. Please arrive at 9:30 am for registration and to have your bag tagged and loaded.
Friday September 4th - Water taxis will begin leaving Gambier Island at 12:30 pm. The last water taxi will likely leave around 2:00. You can safely plan to be back at Horseshoe Bay between 1:30 and 3:00.
Here is a full view of the week's schedule! (This schedule is from 2024 - a new schedule is coming soon!!)
Accommodations
SongRoots – Summer Camp Accommodations
There are various options for accommodations at Camp Fircom.
1. Tenting! You have the option of bringing your own tent 
and setting up your home for the week in some of the gorgeous camp sites at Camp Fircom.
There are communal washrooms for tenters and cabin sleepers.
(Tenters get a $20 discount)
2. Canvas Tents - Camp Fircom provides 6 large Canvas tents. These can be shared by 3-4 people and mattresses are provided - all you need to bring is your own sleeping bag and pillow.
This option is available at no extra cost if there are 3-4 people in one.
3. Cabin/Bunkhouse 1-4 – will sleep up to 8 in a room - everyone will get a lower bunk and can keep their gear on the top bunk. There are shared communal bathrooms and everyone brings their own bedding. There are electrical outlets in the cabins.
This option is available at no extra cost. These Cabins are the newer ones that were built in the last few years.
4. Craigcroft – there is a choice of shared or single rooms (limited) in Craigcroft. Craigcroft is a 2 storey dorm-style residence with 12 rooms and a large common room. We will have 8 double rooms and 4 single rooms. There are two bathrooms with additional washrooms located in the dining hall which is right next door.
You can bring your own bedding or you can pay an extra $35 to have it supplied for you.
There is an additional cost to stay in Craigcroft of $175 for a double room and $350 for a single room.
5. Farmhouse - this is the most luxurious accommodation available! There are two bedrooms (each with a queen sized bed), a fully equipped kitchen, a large patio (with a view of the water) and a beautiful living room. All linens are provided.
There is an additional cost of $500 per room at the Farmhouse.
FOOD at Fircom!
Fircom focuses on healthy, delicious homemade meals to ensure that you are satisfied and feeling great during your time at camp. Our chef and farmer work together to grow beautiful, abundant harvests in our 1.5 acres organic garden. Much of the produce from the Farm ends up in beautiful meals or in the delicious and colorful salad bar served at each lunch and dinner.
Camp Fircom is endeavouring to be as sustainable as possible and tread lightly on the earth. One of the ways they are doing this is by trying to cut back on food waste. The main thought is 'take what you need, and eat what you take' - there is going to be plenty of food for second helpings so please don't be shy if you didn't get enough food the first time. 2nd helpings are available!
Everyone arrive at Horseshoe Bay around 9:30 am to register on Monday Aug 26th. For those people coming from Vancouver Island, you can take the 8:30 am boat and come straight over to register., We will be going over in many different water taxis - we can only load one at a time, so it does take a while to get the whole group over there. Be patient and it should all run smoothly - enjoy the beautiful ride!
You will be registered by Ali Romanow, Wendy Knudson and Bob Romanow. They have a wonderful system to get you all set up, loaded on the boat and sent over. You must check in with them first before heading down to the dock!!
We have to make special arrangements for the water taxis on Monday morning and those costs are included in your ticket. If you miss the water taxi, you will be responsible for getting yourself to the island (through Cormorant Marine Water Taxi) and will have to cover that cost. Some people have been asking about special water taxi departure times - I am unable to organize anything extra outside of our scheduled times.
Where to meet? Where to park?
Meet on the lawn by the (former) Boathouse Restaurant. There you will receive your welcome package and be organized into different water taxis. The Water Taxi Loading area is at the end of the Government Dock in Horseshoe Bay, which is to the East of the Boathouse Restaurant. Please do not go to the Water Taxi office, as they are not responsible for the check-in of our campers.
Parking! - there are various lots at Horseshoe Bay. I would suggest carpooling. The lots closest to the terminal cost about $20/day. There is a cheaper lot up the hill. http://www.tiddlycovelions.com/?page_id=11 The best option is getting dropped off if possible!
LIONS OVERFLOW PARKING Located at 6318 Marine drive, West Vancouver Across from the 2nd hole of Geneagles Golf Club, just south of Geneagles Elementary School
**We will be arriving and leaving at low tide which means that the ramp to get to the boat is kind of steep! The trip to and from Fircom is a little arduous. It does include carrying your luggage, walking up and down steep loading ramps and then walking up a hill on Gambier up to Camp Fircom. There is a truck that will take our luggage and could drive people with mobility problems. We will have designated helpers and lifters are all there to help each other.
3. Leaving on Friday
The boats start leaving Fircom at 1:30 on Friday. We can only load one water taxi at a time so I am unable to tell anyone exactly when they will get back to HSB. It could be as early at 2:15 or you could be on the last water taxi and not get back until about 3:30 or so.
See below for important info and helpful tips!
1) How do the canvas tents (sibleys) work? Canvas Tents can accommodate 3-4 people– Fircom provides mattresses and you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Think sleep over/slumber party! You will be close and cozy. If you have a group of 3-4 people, there would be no extra cost.
2) How can I pay in instalments? How much is camp?
Camp costs $1000 + $100 Registration + GST. There are several accommodation upgrades that cost extra. You can pay in instalments - just get in touch with Karla to sort out a schedule.
3) I'm really new to singing and nervous about coming.. what classes are best suited for beginners/less experienced singers?
Sound Playground, Breathe, Sing, Repeat, Gospel Music, Sightreading, Bluegrass, Orain Obrach, Doo Wop, Songs of Resilience, Puirt-a-beul, I've Got A Right to the Tree of Life
4) Are there any Bed & Breakfasts available near Fircom?
No, Fircom is on the south eastern corner of Gambier and there is no road access to New Brighton or most of the rest of the island. There are no accommodation rentals in the near vicinity.
5) Can I bring my own boat to Fircom?
You can, but there is no mooring on the government dock. You can anchor in Fircom Bay or Halkett Bay, however you will have to bring a dinghy and paddle in.
6) Where can I tent?
There are several lovely tenting areas in the forest and in more open areas.
7) Can I come for part of the camp?
This event is all or nothing. We will have additional boats in emergency circumstances but otherwise we expect participants to stay for the duration of the program.
8) Can I bring my dog?
Unless you have an assistance/service animal, animals are not permitted.
9) Is the accommodation wheelchair accessible?
Please contact Karla for more information on the accessibility of the site and facilities. There are many gravel roads and a fair bit of walking between class - Karla could try to accommodate accessibility as much as possible with accommodation choice and class location.
10) I own a cabin on Gambier. Can I just come for the days?
Yes that would be fine. Contact Karla and we would sort out your cost for the camp.
11) I’d like to bring my baby, is that ok?
That could be possible and it might be a little tricky. We could try to sort out an accommodation that would work for you. Please contact Karla and talk through what the days are like and how you could try to make it work for you and your baby.
12) I’d like to bring my 8 year old, is that ok?
At the moment, this camp is geared towards adults and we don’t currently have it set up to work for kids as well (we are working on that for the future)
13) I’d like to know more about what emergency services are available on Gambier. Can you tell me about that?
Fircom is an isolated site however emergency services can be dispatched to site. In case of an emergency medical situation, the patient will be evacuated either by boat or by helicopter.
14) This year seems more expensive than last year. Why is that?
Costs for absolutely everything involved with camp have gone up. In addition to that, we also need to operate camp with reduced capacity this year because of Covid. As a result, we have had to slightly increase costs.
15) Finances are tight. Is there any way I can barter my fee?
There could be some limited possibilities of helping out with camp and reducing some of the fee. Please contact Karla if you have some ideas. There are some bursary funds available!