FROM FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 TO MONDAY OCTOBER 12, 2026
A Musical Celebration of the Beauty of the Earth
Thanksgiving Weekend Music Retreat
The CAMMAC Music Centre welcomes you for a musical weekend getaway in the heart of the majestic Laurentians.
At the peak of autumn in the Laurentians, this festive weekend offers a fully immersive experience of music, creative activities, and time to unwind outdoors. Between rehearsals, celebrations and fun activities, it’s a unique opportunity to step outside your usual routine, broaden your musical horizons, and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ Recorder
Two sessions for all levels, from beginners to advanced players, plus a recorder ensemble led by Francis Colpron, founder and artistic director of Les Boréades de Montréal.
✚ Instrumental Ensemble:
In addition to the repertoire chosen for the weekend, the instrumental ensemble will accompany the choir on selected pieces.
✚ Informal Chamber Music:
For winds, strings, and piano – intermediate to advanced musicians only.
Preregistration is not required – groups will be formed on-site. Pre-formed groups are also welcome.
✚ Jazz Combos+:
For melodic instruments (brass, clarinet, saxophone, etc.) and rhythm-section instruments (piano, guitar, bass, drums). Rooted in jazz, these ensembles also explore a variety of popular styles.
Pre-registration is required so that we can prepare the repertoire and form groups in advance. Once we have received your booking, you will be sent a link to the registration form (Part 2), which will allow you to confirm your participation in the chamber music sessions. Further details will be provided at a later date.
✚ Additional workshops and activities:
Percussion, guitar and piano workshops; capoeira dance for all; active listening; a guests’ cabaret (get your act ready!); and songs around the campfire.
✚ A Comprehensive Youth Program:
Choir, dance, recorder, percussion, visual arts, nature activities, sports, and outdoor play – everything is in place to keep the children occupied from morning till night.
✚ Choral Singing with Guest Conductor Mélodie Rabatel
Inspired by Thanksgiving, the choral program celebrates the beauty of nature, the joy of sharing, and the spirit of togetherness. Jazz-influenced harmonies, lively rhythms and melodies from near and far come together in a varied repertoire that is by turns uplifting, playful, and deeply moving. Several pieces will be performed with instrumental accompaniment.
- Autumn, by K.A. Memley – A warm, evocative tribute to the colors and atmosphere of the season.
↳ WATCH
- Les feuilles mortes, by Prévert/Kosma – A jazzy, rhythmic take on a French classic.
↳ WATCH
- For the Beauty of the Earth, by John Rutter – A radiant hymn of gratitude for nature, friendship, and shared joy (the choir will be accompanied by the instrumental ensemble).
↳ WATCH
- In addition, the choir will do a reading of L’hymne de CAMMAC (M. Rabatel).
MUSIC IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
✚ Nature workshops with Muriel Bontemps: Venture into the forest on guided walks focused on identifying local flora, and deepen your connection with the natural world surrounding CAMMAC.
✚ Take in the views of CAMMAC from a stunning vantage point by joining a group hike to the summit of Mont-Chauve. ↳ FIND OUT MORE
✚ Take time to slow down and find peace of mind with mindfulness practices and yoga sessions led by Brendalee Wilson.
✚ Visual arts classes with Wanda Lowensteyn offer another way to express the beauty of autumn.
A fun and exciting way to get the family together at Thanksgiving…
For many years, CAMMAC has been a family tradition, particularly at Thanksgiving. This weekend offers a wonderful opportunity for family members of all ages to make music together.
Grandparents, parents and children can sing in the choir, explore the forest together or share creative moments: this retreat creates lasting memories whilst fostering everyone’s musical development.
Coming on your own or with friends?
The collaborative spirit of the weekend’s activities is perfect for sharing with musical friends, old and new.
MUSIC PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES
The Thanksgiving Weekend program caters to amateur musicians of all ages and levels.
🍁 CLASSES FOR ADULTS & TEENS
- Active listening
- Choir
- Combos
- Dance
- Guitar / Blues Guitar
- Informal chamber music
- Instrumental ensemble
- Nature workshop and activities
- Percussion
- Recorder
- Visual arts
- Yoga
🍁 CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Designed for kids aged
4 and a half to 12 years old:
- Choir
- Danse – capoeira
- Nature workshop and activities
- Percussion
- Recorder
- Sports, games, and outdoor activities
- Visual arts
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS SUNDAY EVENING HIGHLIGHTS
🍁 COCKTAIL-HOUR CONCERT:
Enjoy a jazzy tribute to French singer-songwriter Claude Nougaro, performed by Mélodie Rabatel with pianist Chad Linsley.
Although not widely known in Quebec, this great French singer-songwriter has successfully united French chanson, poetry and rhythm. His original and always meticulously crafted lyrics are set to a rich and varied musical backdrop that draws inspiration from jazz, Latin music, bossa nova and tango, amongst others. An invitation to discover a memorable repertoire that is well worth discovering.
🍁 THANKSGIVING BANQUET:
A highlight of the weekend: a five-course feast served in Lucy Hall starting at 6:00 p.m. On the menu: appetizer, soup, salad, main course, and dessert.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options are available with advance notice. Wine is available by the glass or bottle at the bar, to be enjoyed with your meal.
🍁 EVENING OF DANCING AND ENTERTAINMENT:
The evening begins with a tango demonstration by the members of Radiotango, followed by a hands-on initiation session open to all, in the friendly spirit of CAMMAC. A well-known ensemble on the Quebec scene, Radiotango brings to life the tango of the great orchestras from Buenos Aires’ golden age, performed by a group that seamlessly blends music and dance. Those with some prior experience are also welcome to share their skills on the dance floor.
The concert, banquet, and dance are included with the meal plan.
Tickets for participants who have not opted for the meal plan and for members of the general public are available upon advance booking by contacting: reservations@cammac.ca
DIRECTORS & FACULTY
Whether you have been playing for years or are just beginning, our outstanding teachers are here to help you progress on your musical quest—no matter your age!
To find out more about our teachers, click their photos to read their bios.
GUYLAINE
LEMAIRE
Artistic Director
VINCENT
BEAULNE
Guitar / Blues guitar
CORINNE
BERGERON
Informal chamber music
MURIEL
BONTEMPS
Nature workshops
FRANCIS
COLPRON
Recorder
MATYS
COLPRON
Percussion for children and adults
Combos
GABRIEL
GENEST
Instrumental ensemble
Combos
CHAD
LINSLEY
Accompaniment for choir and combos
WANDA
LOWENSTEYN
Visual arts for children and adults
ALEXIS
OUELLET-SIMARD
Capoeira for all
MELODIE
RABATEL
Choir
Active listening
ISABELLE
VADEBONCOEUR
Choir for children and teens
Chamber music for children
BRENDALEE
WILSON
Yoga
RESERVE ONLINE
If you don’t see the room you would like while reserving online, please contact Customer Service.
You can also reserve by contacting customer service directly, from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
By email: reservations@cammac.ca
By phone: 819-687-3938 / 1-888-622-8755, ext. 1
➜ SKIP THE LINEUP!
To avoid waiting in line to check in when you arrive, pay your bill in full when you register, or at least 3 DAYS before your arrival.
RATES
| MUSIC PROGRAM | |||
| PARTICIPANTS LODGING ON SITE | OFF-SITE PARTICIPANTS | ||
| Adults (18 years +) | $280.00 | $310.00 | |
| Students (18 to 25 years) | $185.00 | $210.00 | |
| Teens (13 to 17 years) | $185.00 | $210.00 | |
| Children (5 to 12 years) | $135.00 | $155.00 | |
| Chaperone (maximum 1 per room / tent) | $80.00 | N/A | |
| LODGING – Main Pavilion (3 nights) | ||
| Single Room (single bed) | $252.00 | |
| Single Room (single bed) + Private Bathroom | $375.00 | |
| Double Room (double bed) | $402.00 | |
| Double Room (double bed) + Private Bathroom | $531.00 | |
| Double Room (queen bed) | $426.00 | |
| Triple Room | $486.00 | |
| Quad Room | $612.00 | |
| LODGING – Lake House (3 nights) | ||
| Single Room | $153.00 | |
| Double Room (double bed or two twin bunk beds) | $252.00 | |
| Double Room + Private Bathroom | $375.00 | |
| Triple Room | $300.00 | |
| LODGING – Camping (3 nights) | ||
| Tent | $105.00 | |
| Additional Tent | $54.00 | |
| RVs and Camper Trailers | $159.00 | |
| MEAL PLAN | ||
| Adults (18 years +) | $265.00 | |
| Students (18 to 25 years) | $265.00 | |
| Teens (13 to 17 years) | $265.00 | |
| Children (12 years and under) | $155.00 | |
The meal plan is optional only for participants lodging in camping and off-site participants. If you select accommodations in the Lake House or the Main Pavilion, the meal plan is mandatory.
- A light supper and evening snack are included on Friday.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and three snacks are included on Saturday.
- Breakfast, lunch, the banquet, and three snacks are included on Sunday.
- Breakfast, lunch, and one snack are included on Monday.
IMPORTANT: Please indicate dietary requirements and food allergies when you register.
| TICKETS FOR SUNDAY NIGHT’S BANQUET | ||
| Adults (18 years +) | $65.00 | |
| Students (18 to 25 years) | $47.50 | |
| Teens (13 to 17 years) | $47.50 | |
| Children (12 years and under) | $32.50 | |
The banquet meal is included with the meal plan.
For camping and off-site participants, we ask that you purchase your banquet tickets in advance of your stay to allow us to order sufficient supplies.
You can reserve your tickets in advance by contacting Customer Service by phone or email (reservations@cammac.ca), or on-site during your stay.
| INDIVIDUAL MEALS – Individual meal tickets are available at the Tuck Shop | ||
| Adults (18 years +) | $17.88 | |
| Students (18 to 25 years) | $17.88 | |
| Teens (13 to 17 years) | $17.88 | |
| Children (12 years and under) | $32.50 | |
| INDIVIDUAL MEALS – Individual meal tickets are available at the Tuck Shop | |||
| BREAKFAST (taxes not included) | LUNCH AND SUPPER (taxes not included) | ||
| Adults (18 years +) | $17.88 | $25.96 | |
| Students (18 to 25 years) | $17.88 | $25.96 | |
| Teens (13 to 17 years) | $17.88 | $25.96 | |
| Children (5 to 12 years) | $8.68 | $17.36 | |
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Rates are in Canadian dollars.
- GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) are not included in the rates shown.
- The CAMMAC membership fee will be added to your invoice if your membership is not up to date for the selected stay.
- 50% of your total invoice, before taxes, will be charged to your credit card within 5 business days of your reservation.
-
We reserve the right to adjust the invoice in the event of errors or omissions (for example, missing membership fees, incorrect meal plan selection, or incorrect music program selection). In such cases, a revised invoice will be sent to you.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
-
More than 60 days before the arrival date:
All cancellations (partial or full) will incur an administrative fee of $75. -
60 days or fewer before the arrival date:
Any full cancellation will incur fees equivalent to 50% of the total invoice amount, including taxes.
Any partial cancellation will incur administrative fees equivalent to 50% of the difference, including taxes. - Membership fees are not refundable.
REDUCED RATES FOR CHAPERONES:
The “CHAPERONE” rate is applicable to an adult accompanying a child/teenager, lodging on-site, and not wishing to take part in the music program (maximum 1 chaperone per accommodation unit).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arrival: Friday October 9
• You may arrive beginning at 2 p.m., but rooms will only be available beginning at 4 p.m.
• Supper: 6 p.m.
• The program officially begins at 7:30 p.m.
Departure: Monday October 12, 2 p.m. (after lunch)
• Rooms must be vacated by 9 a.m.