Fall Weekend 2025

WUMB will host our Fall Acoustic Music Weekend (FAMW) on November 7-9, 2025, in Groton, Massachusetts. Music Director Brendan Hogan has crafted this year’s Fall Weekend to be a fully ‘hands-on’ acoustic music retreat, featuring instruction in a range of Folk and Blues music. Come for camaraderie and classes, concerts and great guided and freestyle jams, with your fellow campers and with these first-class players and teachers:

Cheryl Arena
Ryan Lee Crosby
John Doerschuk
Hubby Jenkins
Kerri Powers
Arthur Terembula
Laura Vecchione

Groton is about an hour northwest of downtown Boston. The camp is in a beautifully wooded area, and facilities are comfortable. Rooms are single or double, with private or shared bathrooms. The food is hearty, and the desserts are legendary. Walking between buildings is on fairly level ground, give or take possible snow banks! Oh – and there are several working fireplaces. Space is limited, and we encourage you to sign up early!

Registration opens at 4:00pm in the Dining Hall on Friday afternoon.
Dinner is at 6:00pm.
Alcohol is not allowed at the Fall Weekend.
Depart the campus on Sunday by 3:00pm.

The fees for FAMW 2025 are as follows:

• *Prescott Lodge
  Single person room with private bath  $975 member        $1025 non-member
• *Prescott Lodge
  2-person room with private bath           $700 member        $775 non-member
• *Blanchard Hall
  Single person room with shared bath   $875 member        $925 non-member
• *Blanchard Hall
  2-person room with shared bath           $625 member        $675 non-member
• **Non-Lodging/Commuter                    $500 member        $550 non-member

*Cost includes meals, lodging and classes.
**Cost includes meals and classes.

A $300 deposit at the time of registration reserves your spot.
Final payments are due no later than September 29, 2025.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation by September 29, 2025: full refund minus $300 processing fee.
• Cancellation between September 30, 2025 and October 17, 2025: full refund minus $400 processing fee.
• Cancellation after October 17, 2025: all payments non-refundable.
• Phone cancellations must be followed by confirmation in writing. You may email your confirmation to samw@umb.edu .

Camp Information

Weather and Environment:
November weather is hard to read these days, so look at weather forecasts and be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions.  Definitely bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes or boots! But all of the cabins have heat and hot water, so if it gets cold, you’ll be plenty cozy inside. The camp is located in the beautiful Groton forest by a lake, so be ready to get outdoorsy. The ground can be uneven and, if it snows, pretty slippery so be careful of your surroundings.

What to Bring
To be prepared for all the activities and weather, here are some suggestions on what to bring with you:

• Blanchard accommodations: Bring twin-sized sheets, pillows and pillowcases, blankets or sleeping bag, towels and toiletries
• Prescott accommodations: Linens and pillows are provided, but we suggest that you bring an extra blanket, an extra towel, and also toiletries, as they are NOT provided
• Flashlight
• Your own marked mug for coffee – there are coffee makers in the dining hall
• Warm winter outerwear
• Good winter walking boots
• Your musical instruments
• A recording device – some workshops may be entirely by ear and a recording device makes it easier to practice later

SAMW Campstore

The SAMW store stocks music accessories, instructors’ CDs and other merchandise, sweatshirts and fleece vests, caps, mugs, and an assortment of music-related items.

Phone Number
The Grotonwood Camp number is (978) 448-5763.