Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School 2025
Hello Campers!
This year, we are celebrating the 42nd Edition of the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in the northern California redwoods! This section provides vital information about the camp and what to bring. Please read it thoroughly, and contact us if you have additional questions or need clarification.
Important note: Valley of the Moon is designed to be an immersive experience. Please don’t ask friends or family to visit you at camp during the week. Drop-in visitors or guests are not permitted – please don’t ask us to make exceptions.
In addition to the information on this page, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about camp.
ADDRESS OF CAMP:
YMCA Camp Campbell
16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
GETTING TO CAMP:
Check the page at this link to read more about getting to camp, including information about shuttle service options.
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE:
Check-in time at camp on August 22, 2025 is 4:00 PM. Check-out time on August 30, 2025 is no later than 10:00 AM.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Check the page at this link to read more about lodging and facilities at VOM.
TEMPERATURES AT CAMP:
The nights and first part of the day are usually cool. Especially if you plan to be in one of the Fast fiddle classes, which meet outdoors, youʼll want to have a warm jacket, maybe a hat as well. By midday, itʼs usually warm, often shorts weather. Bring clothes you can layer to adjust over temperatures that can range from the 50s into the 90s.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:
FOR INSTRUMENTAL CLASSES:
__ musical instruments
__ extra strings, batteries, tapes
__ recording device for classes
__ extra charger for recording device
PERSONAL ITEMS:
__ bedding (sleeping bag & pillow)
__ towel, washcloth, soap, toiletries
__ warm jacket, hat
__ long pants
__ shorts
__ bathing suit, pool towel
__ water bottle / mug (we won’t have disposable cups)
__ flashlight for each member of the family
__ bathing suit
__ comfortable shoes for walking and dancing
__ snacks for in between meals if you tend to get hungry
OPTIONAL:
__ extra money for purchasing items in the camp store or drinks from the Refreshment Table
__ ear plugs
__ yoga mat (if planning to attend morning yoga class)
RECYCLING / BEVERAGE CUPS:
We are making a serious effort to reduce the amount of waste we generate at camp. One approach is to ask everyone to bring a tumbler/cup and/or a mug (with your name or other identification on them) to use for hot drinks and drinks from the Bar. VOM mugs will be on sale in the Camp Store. If you want a “glass” for wine, you should bring your own – getting one of sturdy plastic is a good idea.
REFRESHMENTS TABLE:
There will be a Refreshments Table, which will have soft drinks, beer and wine for purchase. Cash or checks can be used to buy a card for use in purchasing drinks. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available in the Dining Hall without charge.
VILLAGE GATHERING:
A Village Gathering is held near the main lodge in the early evening before dinner, most days at camp. You are welcome to bring wine, cheese, crackers, fruit, chocolate, alcohol, olives, something homemade, etc. to share if you would like. Spontaneous happy hours are a good way to meet new people.
CAMP STORE:
The Camp Store will have CDs from the instructors, as well as a selection of music books of possible interest, and espresso drinks to purchase. There will be custom t-shirts, caps, and mugs you may enjoy having as mementos of camp. The store does accept Master Card and VISA, but checks and cash are highly preferred.
NO PETS:
Pets are not allowed at camp.
CLASSES & FACULTY:
Will be announced on the VOM website at this link.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The camaraderie that develops as we all study, play, and live together makes fiddle camp very special, and it wouldn’t work so well, or be as much fun, without everyone pitching in. There are many ways to get involved, from helping other participants with their luggage on arrival, to staying for the final clean up, making sure we all get out of camp on time with all our belongings, and everything in between. Check the list on the “Return (Payment) Form” for these and other things you can do to help make the camp run smoothly. If you have a special service or idea you’d like to add, please let us know that, too. Your involvement is not only appreciated, it’s essential!
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School is sponsored by Scottish Fiddlers of California, a California non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, and is organized by volunteers.
DONATIONS:
Support through financial aid allows many campers to attend Valley of the Moon who might not be able to come otherwise. To learn more about donating to Valley of the Moon, please visit the page linked here.
SEE YOU AT FIDDLE CAMP!