Soundbone Gathering 2026
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Fees
Participants can register to stay on-site at Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp in the lodge or use your RV or tent outside on the grounds. Those staying onsite in a RV or tent, pay a facility fee. For those who prefer more privacy or hotel-like experience, you can stay offsite at another location such as the nearby Exploits River Motel and Restaurant or Brookdale Country Inn & RV Park or other accommodations in Bishop’s Falls or Botwood.
There are separate program (tuition) fees for adults (19 years and older) and youth (10-18 years); fees for accommodation and meals are the same for all ages. All the fees are shown in detail on the online registration form where the total amounts are calculated automatically. All fees below include tax.
Adult Gathering Tuition: $525.00
Youth Gathering Tuition: $200.00
Meals for 5 days (Sunday PM to Friday AM): $304.75
Special diet (vegetarian/gluten free) addition for 5 days: $57.50
Shared accommodation per person in lodge for 5 nights: $212.75
Private accommodation in lodge for 5 nights: $275.00
Facility Fee for tents/RVs on grounds for 5 days: $97.75
Refunds
Full refunds up to June 30th, 2026; 50% refund between July 1 and August 15. No refunds as of August 16th, 2026.
Please read the Schedule and Workshop Descriptions pages before registering.
All registrants must register using our online registration form. Payments can be made by e-transfer, cheque/money order or credit card.
Scholarships and Volunteering
Scholarships: We are pleased to offer the Alex Hodder Memorial Youth Scholarship for youth from age 13-18. Please see the Scholarships webpage for more details.
Volunteering: We welcome volunteers in 2026 to help with concerts or events. We also welcome to hear from those who might serve as a nurse/first aid person and/or general camp counsellor. For further information, please inquire with the Soundbone Traditional Arts Gathering Director.
Accommodations
Accommodation at Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp is provided in six sections with 5 bedrooms each. Most rooms have three single beds, two of which are arranged bunk bed style. The Medical Centre has 8 additional bedrooms with single and double beds. Designed as a camp for special needs, the location is housed under one roof and is completely accessible to meet the physical needs of individuals availing of the facility.
Capacity 95 - all beds used and double beds used by 2 people; 24 top bunks
Capacity 66 - one person per double / single bed and without using top bunks.
Washroom, shower, bath facilities in each section
All participants in the same building; night security provided by camp staff
Bedding optional as requested, see rate information below.
Wi-Fi via Satellite Internet Access
All facilities are wheelchair accessible
Staff with first aid certification
Outdoor recreation area with swimming pool, basketball court and gazebo
Is it a requirement that all participants reside onsite during the Gathering?
For those who need more comfortable accommodation than a camp setting can provide (such as a private bathroom) the Exploits River Motel and Restaurant is nearby (about 5km). You can also stay at Brookdale Country Inn & RV Park in Bishops Falls.
Gathering participants are also permitted to stay on the Max Simms Camp grounds in their RV or tent, and pay a facility fee $97.75 (incl tax) for the five days of the Gathering. There are no electrical or other services provided, though RVers/tenters can use Max Simms Camp’s washroom facilities.
Lion Max Simms Camp Menu
Max Simms Memorial Camp provides meals such as pizza, chili, chicken, lasagna, and hamburgers for lunch; suppers will typically consist of meals such as pork chops, roast beef, turkey and fish. Staff will try to accommodate participants’ diets as best they can by preparing some meals separately. If you are a vegetarian or eat gluten-free, please let us know on your registration form. There is an extra fee of $11.50/day (incl tax) for this menu choice. We also recommend that you discuss your diet with the camp cook when you arrive onsite. Grocery items are available in the community of Bishops Falls (a 10-minute drive) or Grand Falls (a 30-minute drive) from Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp. A fridge is available for participants’ use.
Meal plans include supper on Sunday; breakfast, lunch and supper Monday through Thursday; and breakfast on Friday. No snacks/refreshments are included, but participants are encouraged to bring their own and perhaps enough to share.
Directions to Camp
Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp is about 10km off the Trans Canada Highway via the Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360) in Central Newfoundland. From the TCH, drive 6.5 km along Route 360 and turn right, proceed for 4.4 km and turn left.
Can participants staying offsite purchase their meals individually at Max Simms?
Meals can be purchased individually, preferably in advance by contacting info@soundbone.ca. Prices range from $15 to $25 per meal (incl tax).
Extra fee for gluten-free/vegetarian meals, per day/per person: $11.50/day (incl tax).
Instruction
Please read the Schedule and Workshop Descriptions pages for more information about each individual instruction opportunity at the Gathering.
What ages attend the Soundbone Traditional Arts Gathering?
When it started as the Vinland Music Camp in 2001, camp was primarily for children but over the years it has morphed into an intergenerational experience. We now welcome anyone 10 years and above, with the majority being older adults. That said, we regularly have youth participate and it has been our experience that everyone enjoys the mix of ages during the week. Exceptions for those under 10 years old may be made by permission of the Artistic Director, especially if the child has studied their instrument for at least one year. Those 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver for the duration of the Gathering.
Do participants need to have some knowledge or experience in playing an instrument prior to attending?
The Soundbone Traditional Arts Gathering is for players of all abilities. Everyone from beginners to seasoned players are welcomed – to accommodate this, most workshops have two or three levels, from beginner to advanced. It is likely that a variety of levels may participate in any class. Many classes need no experience at all! We encourage participants to try a new instrument (or dance, songwriting, storytelling, etc.) in addition to their main one.
How many workshops should I take per day?
Although there is no limit on the number of workshops you can take, most people find that 4-5 selections are plenty as you will need time for practice and recreation. Note that most workshops are 45 minutes long and continue at the same time every day (Monday-Thursday). Sometimes we offer special one-time workshops - these will be advertised at the camp for sign up.
Can I take private lessons at the Gathering?
Private lessons may be arranged with instructors, at their discretion and according to their schedule. Please discuss this with the individual instructor(s).
Other Things to Know
Essentials to bring
• Pillow and either a sleeping bag or sheets/blankets. These can also be rented from the camp for a $5 +HST/day, payable upon arrival.
• Swim suit, towel, sunscreen, rain jacket, sun hat and fly repellent. Flip-flops for the shower may also be helpful.
• Warm clothing, such as a fleece jacket or woollen sweater, for around the campfire. (Note that synthetic clothing can be adversely affected by sparks.)
Musical Essentials
Bring your instrument(s), unless you have made specific arrangements for the Gathering to provide them. Also, a three-hole binder with paper, pencils and an eraser are very useful. We operate a music store for the week at which you can buy basic music supplies (picks, capos, rosin, strings, songbooks, etc.). We now have a Square payment system so you can bring cash or card.
Optional, but helpful, items to bring
A music stand, a digital recorder (or app on your phone), and music manuscript paper may be useful. Kindly check with your instructor before recording them. You can also bring books of Newfoundland & Labrador music you are interested in learning.
Electronic Devices
Cell phone coverage and Wi-Fi is available. Please check with an instructor or the Gathering Director before recording concerts or classes. Please keep on silent-mode, any cameras or phones you use at the Gathering.
Allergies
Participants should inform us of any significant medical conditions that we should be aware of by filling out this information on the registration form, with special attention to life-threatening conditions such as peanut allergies. This medical information is considered private and only made available to our staff.