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A weekend of singing in the key of life
This is Choir Camp, Mama Kin Spender style.
A carefully curated weekend of workshops and fireside singalongs featuring our favourite choir leaders, somatic practices and movement sessions.
All accomodation and catering included and most importantly, the chance to all be together for AN ENTIRE WEEKEND!
WA will be nestled on Ngoongar country, Dwellingup, surrounded by majestic bushland.
VIC will be held in the beautiful surrounds of Eastern Maar Kirrae Whurrung (Princetown), along the coastline of The Great Ocean Road.
“It was soul changing for me. I went into camp burnt out and have come home filled with passion and hope, inspired by all of your bravery.
I have never been this excited about my future. I simply can not thank you all enough for all of your hard work and time.”
I have never been this excited about my future. I simply can not thank you all enough for all of your hard work and time.”
Come and sing yourself warm by the light of the choir
When we sing together, we remember the most important thing of all; that we belong to each other.
In a rapidly changing world, amid an epidemic of loneliness, more than ever we need to seek the places of deepest connection to ourselves and others. Singing together is the chance to connect in resonance and be bonded in harmony. Is there any better feeling?
We’ve worked with countless choirs across the touring trail and uncovered a rich community of heart-driven folk and fellow lovers of song. Along the way, a dream emerged. A vision to converge these streams into one river of song, intimate festival style. To gatherthe sparks, lit with choirs near and far and to open the experience to others. To light up a little choir fire.
Join us, you don’t need to be in a choir to come sit by this fire.
“It was perfection...I run lots of camps for my job and this Choir Camp was next level!!”
CHOIR CAMP HOSTS
DANIELLE CARUANA
Mama Kin, Mama Kin Spender
Danielle is a storyteller, mischief maker and word nerd who taps the human condition with equal parts ferocity and vulnerability. An esteemed ARIA nominated and WAM award winning songwriter, she has toured extensively nationally & internationally captivating audiences with her distinct blend of storytelling, vulnerability, humour and songs. Danielle has a knack for establishing instant and intimate connections.
DINGO SPENDER
Spender, Mama Kin Spender
Dingo is an ARIA nominated, WAM award winning multi-instrumentalist musician, composer and producer. He has toured intertnationally and natioanly with a variety of different projects and styles. Dingo is also an accredited Pranayama breathwork facilitator. He also facilitaites and leads the Wildman Choir, a community choir for all men to gather in circle, and build connections.
VIRGINIA BOTT
Mama Kin Spender, First Chorus Band of Singers
Virginia is resident Choir Director and Arranger for Mama Kin Spender as well as First Chorus Band of Singers, a choir who has collaborated with artists of various mediums over the past 15 years. She’s directed children's choirs, led mass choir projects and mentored others. She uses music, relational poetics and a somatic lens in service of people having direct access to themselves, the moment and the larger field of awareness.
STACIA GONINON
Mama Kin Spender, The Seed Fund
Stacia brings decades of experience in the music and creative industries. Stacia’s experience is broad and underpinned by creating support structure for creatives to do what they do best. Creative direction is at the heart of what Stacia brings to all of her work, it is inherent in her nature to intentionally bring the highest level of aesthetic pleasure to all that she touches.
In a rapidly changing world, amid an epidemic of loneliness, more than ever we need to seek the places of deepest connection to ourselves and others. Singing together is the chance to connect in resonance and be bonded in harmony. Is there any better feeling?
We’ve worked with countless choirs across the touring trail and uncovered a rich community of heart-driven folk and fellow lovers of song. Along the way, a dream emerged. A vision to converge these streams into one river of song, intimate festival style. To gatherthe sparks, lit with choirs near and far and to open the experience to others. To light up a little choir fire.
Join us, you don’t need to be in a choir to come sit by this fire.
“It was perfection...I run lots of camps for my job and this Choir Camp was next level!!”
CHOIR CAMP HOSTS
DANIELLE CARUANA
Mama Kin, Mama Kin Spender
Danielle is a storyteller, mischief maker and word nerd who taps the human condition with equal parts ferocity and vulnerability. An esteemed ARIA nominated and WAM award winning songwriter, she has toured extensively nationally & internationally captivating audiences with her distinct blend of storytelling, vulnerability, humour and songs. Danielle has a knack for establishing instant and intimate connections.
DINGO SPENDER
Spender, Mama Kin Spender
Dingo is an ARIA nominated, WAM award winning multi-instrumentalist musician, composer and producer. He has toured intertnationally and natioanly with a variety of different projects and styles. Dingo is also an accredited Pranayama breathwork facilitator. He also facilitaites and leads the Wildman Choir, a community choir for all men to gather in circle, and build connections.
VIRGINIA BOTT
Mama Kin Spender, First Chorus Band of Singers
Virginia is resident Choir Director and Arranger for Mama Kin Spender as well as First Chorus Band of Singers, a choir who has collaborated with artists of various mediums over the past 15 years. She’s directed children's choirs, led mass choir projects and mentored others. She uses music, relational poetics and a somatic lens in service of people having direct access to themselves, the moment and the larger field of awareness.
STACIA GONINON
Mama Kin Spender, The Seed Fund
Stacia brings decades of experience in the music and creative industries. Stacia’s experience is broad and underpinned by creating support structure for creatives to do what they do best. Creative direction is at the heart of what Stacia brings to all of her work, it is inherent in her nature to intentionally bring the highest level of aesthetic pleasure to all that she touches.
SPECIAL GUESTS
VIKKI THORN
(WA ONLY)
For the last 30 years Vikki Thorn has been singing and touring as one third of The Waifs.
Known for her evocative song writing including Bridal Train, Sun Dirt Water & Take me to Town, Thorn is renowned for her powerful vocals and unique blues harp playing; she is a dynamic & passionate performer who has sung with Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Paul Kelly, John Butler and Missy Higgins.
THE NOMADICS
(WA ONLY)
The Nomadics are true musical alchemists, bestowing the world with a much-needed blend of vulnerability and courage. Their deep love for the world and each other resonates through their stunning harmonies, drawing listeners in with an irresistible charm. Like a campfire for the heart, their latest album "Green Shoots from Dead Wood" showcases their soulful country melodies and songwriting in classy style. Come and witness The Nomadics breathe life into characters and stories that yearn to be heard and honoured.
SUE JOHNSON
(WA + VIC)
Sue Johnson is a prolific composer of original Australian vocal music; joyful, innovative and nourishing songs cherished by singers and audiences world wide, including USA all state chorus'. Sue lectured in improvisation at the VCA for over a decade, co-founded vocal group Coco’s Lunch, directs four choirs Trolls, Pagan Angels Women Of Love & Fury (WOLF) & Living Out Loud.
FIPE PRUESS
(WA + VIC)
Fipe is a cacao cultivator, creative and a polynesian dancer. Co-founder of Social Enterprise Living Koko, she deep love of country as a community cultural development practitioner, continuing a 200 year old tradition in cacao cultivation legacy. Through her facilitation of Pasifika Movement, Fipe shares cultural knowledge and understanding of kincentric relationships through Indigenous Pasifika (Pacific Island) movement, teaching movements that personifies nature and our deep relationshp with it.
TOM RICHARDSON
(VIC ONLY)
Tom is a soulful storyteller, musical craftsman, and passionate community advocate whose artistry feels like the kind of conversation you never want to end.
Beyond the stage, Tom is the proud co-founder of the Find Your Voice Collective, a ground-breaking, accessible, creative community based in Warrnambool. What began as a single performance in 2017 has grown into a thriving platform where over 250 people — many living with disability — are empowered to express themselves through music, art, fashion, and storytelling.
ELANA STONE
(VIC ONLY)
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Elana Stone is a double ARIA Award-winning musician.
A member of the ARIA award-winning folk and alt country act ‘All Our Exes Live In Texas’, who have opened for The Backstreet Boys (USA), Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (USA) and Australian icons Midnight Oil.
Elana is also an ongoing member of Missy Higgins’ live band and has released 4 spectacular solo albums under her own name.
VIKKI THORN
(WA ONLY)
For the last 30 years Vikki Thorn has been singing and touring as one third of The Waifs.
Known for her evocative song writing including Bridal Train, Sun Dirt Water & Take me to Town, Thorn is renowned for her powerful vocals and unique blues harp playing; she is a dynamic & passionate performer who has sung with Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Paul Kelly, John Butler and Missy Higgins.
THE NOMADICS
(WA ONLY)
The Nomadics are true musical alchemists, bestowing the world with a much-needed blend of vulnerability and courage. Their deep love for the world and each other resonates through their stunning harmonies, drawing listeners in with an irresistible charm. Like a campfire for the heart, their latest album "Green Shoots from Dead Wood" showcases their soulful country melodies and songwriting in classy style. Come and witness The Nomadics breathe life into characters and stories that yearn to be heard and honoured.
SUE JOHNSON
(WA + VIC)
Sue Johnson is a prolific composer of original Australian vocal music; joyful, innovative and nourishing songs cherished by singers and audiences world wide, including USA all state chorus'. Sue lectured in improvisation at the VCA for over a decade, co-founded vocal group Coco’s Lunch, directs four choirs Trolls, Pagan Angels Women Of Love & Fury (WOLF) & Living Out Loud.
FIPE PRUESS
(WA + VIC)
Fipe is a cacao cultivator, creative and a polynesian dancer. Co-founder of Social Enterprise Living Koko, she deep love of country as a community cultural development practitioner, continuing a 200 year old tradition in cacao cultivation legacy. Through her facilitation of Pasifika Movement, Fipe shares cultural knowledge and understanding of kincentric relationships through Indigenous Pasifika (Pacific Island) movement, teaching movements that personifies nature and our deep relationshp with it.
TOM RICHARDSON
(VIC ONLY)
Tom is a soulful storyteller, musical craftsman, and passionate community advocate whose artistry feels like the kind of conversation you never want to end.
Beyond the stage, Tom is the proud co-founder of the Find Your Voice Collective, a ground-breaking, accessible, creative community based in Warrnambool. What began as a single performance in 2017 has grown into a thriving platform where over 250 people — many living with disability — are empowered to express themselves through music, art, fashion, and storytelling.
ELANA STONE
(VIC ONLY)
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Elana Stone is a double ARIA Award-winning musician.
A member of the ARIA award-winning folk and alt country act ‘All Our Exes Live In Texas’, who have opened for The Backstreet Boys (USA), Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (USA) and Australian icons Midnight Oil.
Elana is also an ongoing member of Missy Higgins’ live band and has released 4 spectacular solo albums under her own name.
“Thankyou so much for the time taken to ensure we all felt welcomed and valued.
I will never forget it, sharing something so, so wonderful with like-minded and like-hearted souls”
WA + VIC SOLD OUT
I will never forget it, sharing something so, so wonderful with like-minded and like-hearted souls”
WA + VIC SOLD OUT
VIC LocationChoir Camp 2025 will be held at Kangaroobie, a purpose-built camp located on Old Ocean Road in Eastern Maar Kirrae Whurrung (Princetown), Victoria. There are acres of beautiful, lush fields to relax in and enjoy the stunning views of the iconic Shipwreck Coast looking towards the Twelve Apostles. Kangaroobie sits above the Gellibrand River and has commanding 360° views of farmland, the coast, the river and wetlands.
AccomodationOPTION ONE DORM ACCOMODATION
You can opt to stay in the dorm rooms provided (included with ticket purchase) You will need to bring your own sheets, blankets/sleeping bag and pillow.
OPTION TWO SELF CAMP
You can self camp on site (included with ticket purchase), you must bring all your own camping equipment.
*All bathrooms will be shared.
For WA ONLY we have a very limited number of private double ensuite rooms and also some private 3 bed rooms. Both options attract an additional charge.
MealsWe look forward to serving you delicious, hearty, meals, carefully crafted by specially selected chefs.
Included meals are; Breakfast, Morning tea, Lunch, Afternoon tea and Dinner.
Alcohol is not provided in the ticket price but will be available to purchase (no BYO but there is a basic bar and cafe on site)
TELL ME MOREWHAT’S INCLUDED?
All workshop sessions, accommodation and delicious meals.
WHAT WILL WE DO?
Small and large workshop sessions with your hosts and special guests.
Singing together around the fire, breathwork, dance and movement sessions.
Time to relax and get to know other participants and share meals together.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Anyone and everyone (you just need to be 18+). If you love to sing then please join us.
TICKET PRICING TIERED PRICING + PAYMENT PLANS
We have set up equitable pricing across three tiers, Earth Wind and Fire, see descriptions below for each.
Payment plans are available on all tiers, they are split into 10 weekly payments.
AND....We have worked extremely hard to keep the pricing for 2025 the same as it was in 2024, it is no mean feat!
We do all of this, because we really want you there.
FIRE
I am financially well-resourced, so I'm pitching in a bit more to help others join Choir Camp 2025.
One-time payment $780 / 10 Weekly payments of $82
WIND
I have reasonable access to financial resources now or in the future.
One-time payment $690 / 10 Weekly payments of $73
EARTH
I can’t swing a Wind or Fire Tier ticket right now, but I appreciate those going for the higher tiers are making it possible for me to attend.
One-time payment $630 / 10 Weekly payments of $67.
WEEKEND SNAPSHOT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Health – we’re really looking forward to seeing you at the Event. It’s important to us, our staff and all other participants that you stay safe and well and are able to participate meaningfully in our program. It is your responsibility to let us know in advance about all relevant physical and mental health issues that could affect your participation in, and enjoyment of the program. We may ask you to provide advice from your health professional confirming your fitness to participate. If we consider that your physical or mental condition is such that your safety, or the safety of other participants, could be compromised, we may ask you to withdraw from participation in particular activities, or the Program as a whole.
If you require medications or pharmaceuticals (including inhalers and EpiPens) it is your responsibility to bring, maintain and administer these while you are at the Event in accordance with your doctor’s advice.
If you are feeling unwell or are unsure about travelling, please get professional advice before coming to the Event.
There is no doctor, psychologist or nurse at the Event. The closest hospital in VIC is 35 minutes away by car and in WA is 25 minutes away by car. If you need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation, we will call an ambulance. You are responsible for all costs associated with any treatment required.
The Event site including the accommodation is wheelchair accessible.
However, some optional aspects of the program include movement and dance sessions that may be difficult for participants with reduced mobility.
The Event site is located in a beautiful bush setting and there are a variety of activities that are possible in free time including bush walking. These activities are not part of the formal program and you accept all risks associated with any extra curricular activity that you choose to do during the Event.
If you choose to camp at the Event site rather than stay in the dormitory accommodation, you must provide appropriate equipment and do so at your own risk, understanding that this involves risks such as adverse weather, insect bites and snakes.
The accommodation and program is wheelchair accessible. Some aspects of the program may be difficult for participants with reduced mobility, though we will do our best to ensure there are options for all. There is no discount or refund for activities you do not participate in. Please reach out if you have accessibility requirements that you would like to discuss - email to stacia@mamakinspender.love
COVID-19 – If you display symptoms at the Event, we may ask you to undertake a RAT under our supervision and you agree to comply with any such request. If you test positive at the Event, you will not be permitted to continue with the Program and must leave the Event site as soon as possible. You agree to isolate until your departure.
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the venue to attend the event.You can use your own vehicle or carpool with another participant; however, this is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage or injury you may sustain while driving yourself or as passenger in a vehicle
There is mobile coverage but there will be no wifi available. Many will take the opportunity to be free of their phone while at the event, but it’s not compulsory. There will be an emergency mobile phone on site at all times.
All tickets are purchased through Mama Kin Spender. Payment plans are available. Your place at the Event is not confirmed until you have booked and paid in full through. The ticket price includes all programmed activities and meals as well as dormitory style accommodation or self camping at the event site.
Refund and Cancellation Policy – All cancellations must be in writing. If you change your mind once your place is confirmed, your Event ticket is non-refundable, however, it is transferable. There is no discount or refund for activities you do not participate in.
We hope this doesn’t happen but it’s possible that we may need to cancel the Event. We reserve the right to do so if we think it necessary. If so, we will either refund your entire payment or transfer your booking to another date.
VIDEOS FROM PREVIOUS CHOIR CAMPS
FRIDAY
You’ll arrive at around 5pm (if you are self camping we open the gates for you a little early so you can get set up) and get settled into your room (boom boom, come shake the room).
Join us in the main space to meet your hosts and fellow participants. We will kick the weekend off with a workshop and a big juicy singalong (kumbaya). After dinner we will have a fireside singalong to get the choir fire started! (we didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning)
Join us in the main space to meet your hosts and fellow participants. We will kick the weekend off with a workshop and a big juicy singalong (kumbaya). After dinner we will have a fireside singalong to get the choir fire started! (we didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning)
SATURDAY
You’ll start your morning with some optional dance, stretching or breathwork (I like to move it, move it) or you’ll decide to stay cosy in your bed and join us for breakfast.
The rest of this day will be completely jam packed (pump up the jam).
You will break into small groups and have sessions with a selection of choir masters.
We’ll converge for all meals and breaks (with a restorative session mid way through the day).
Before dinner we’ll come together for a big group sing. The night will end with a fireside singalong bringing to life that which we learned through the day.
The rest of this day will be completely jam packed (pump up the jam).
You will break into small groups and have sessions with a selection of choir masters.
We’ll converge for all meals and breaks (with a restorative session mid way through the day).
Before dinner we’ll come together for a big group sing. The night will end with a fireside singalong bringing to life that which we learned through the day.
SUNDAY
We’ll start our morning in the same way as Saturday with optional movement, dance or stretching (oh I wanna dance with somebody), or breathwork.
We’ll do a workshop exploring different warm up options and a song exchange (doe a deer, a female deer).
A large group session with one of our incredible choir masters.
After afternoon tea, the weekend will end with our final workshop and sing along.
We’ll say our goodbyes at around 3pm and prepare to return to the real world, singing all the way home! (I ran all the way home doowoop doowaaa ooh).
We’ll do a workshop exploring different warm up options and a song exchange (doe a deer, a female deer).
A large group session with one of our incredible choir masters.
After afternoon tea, the weekend will end with our final workshop and sing along.
We’ll say our goodbyes at around 3pm and prepare to return to the real world, singing all the way home! (I ran all the way home doowoop doowaaa ooh).
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your Health – we’re really looking forward to seeing you at the Event. It’s important to us, our staff and all other participants that you stay safe and well and are able to participate meaningfully in our program. It is your responsibility to let us know in advance about all relevant physical and mental health issues that could affect your participation in, and enjoyment of the program. We may ask you to provide advice from your health professional confirming your fitness to participate. If we consider that your physical or mental condition is such that your safety, or the safety of other participants, could be compromised, we may ask you to withdraw from participation in particular activities, or the Program as a whole.
If you require medications or pharmaceuticals (including inhalers and EpiPens) it is your responsibility to bring, maintain and administer these while you are at the Event in accordance with your doctor’s advice.
If you are feeling unwell or are unsure about travelling, please get professional advice before coming to the Event.
There is no doctor, psychologist or nurse at the Event. The closest hospital in VIC is 35 minutes away by car and in WA is 25 minutes away by car. If you need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation, we will call an ambulance. You are responsible for all costs associated with any treatment required.
The Event site including the accommodation is wheelchair accessible.
However, some optional aspects of the program include movement and dance sessions that may be difficult for participants with reduced mobility.
The Event site is located in a beautiful bush setting and there are a variety of activities that are possible in free time including bush walking. These activities are not part of the formal program and you accept all risks associated with any extra curricular activity that you choose to do during the Event.
If you choose to camp at the Event site rather than stay in the dormitory accommodation, you must provide appropriate equipment and do so at your own risk, understanding that this involves risks such as adverse weather, insect bites and snakes.
ACCESSIBILITY
The accommodation and program is wheelchair accessible. Some aspects of the program may be difficult for participants with reduced mobility, though we will do our best to ensure there are options for all. There is no discount or refund for activities you do not participate in. Please reach out if you have accessibility requirements that you would like to discuss - email to stacia@mamakinspender.love
COVID 19 POLICY
COVID-19 – If you display symptoms at the Event, we may ask you to undertake a RAT under our supervision and you agree to comply with any such request. If you test positive at the Event, you will not be permitted to continue with the Program and must leave the Event site as soon as possible. You agree to isolate until your departure.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the venue to attend the event.You can use your own vehicle or carpool with another participant; however, this is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage or injury you may sustain while driving yourself or as passenger in a vehicle
WIFI AND CONNECTIVITY
There is mobile coverage but there will be no wifi available. Many will take the opportunity to be free of their phone while at the event, but it’s not compulsory. There will be an emergency mobile phone on site at all times.
TICKETS
All tickets are purchased through Mama Kin Spender. Payment plans are available. Your place at the Event is not confirmed until you have booked and paid in full through. The ticket price includes all programmed activities and meals as well as dormitory style accommodation or self camping at the event site.
Refund and Cancellation Policy – All cancellations must be in writing. If you change your mind once your place is confirmed, your Event ticket is non-refundable, however, it is transferable. There is no discount or refund for activities you do not participate in.
We hope this doesn’t happen but it’s possible that we may need to cancel the Event. We reserve the right to do so if we think it necessary. If so, we will either refund your entire payment or transfer your booking to another date.
VIDEOS FROM PREVIOUS CHOIR CAMPS