As of January 2024, campers will no longer be required to show proof of being vaccinated to attend GPBC.

However, everyone must show a negative COVID test (taken within 72 hours of the start of camp) upon check-in. At-home tests are allowed, but please take a picture of the test results that shows the date and time when the test was taken.

COVID Items: A negative COVID test result that was taken within 72 hours of the start of camp.

Music Essentials: bassoon/contra, reeds, reed tools, cane, pencils, notebook, music, music stand, & bassoon stand and Stadio Book (see “Guest Artists”).

Attire: During this time of year the weather is usually 50-75 degrees F. Dress is casual, so we recommend sweatshirts, umbrellas, ponchos, sneakers for hiking, plus your normal warm weather clothing.

Personal Items: Bring all necessary personal items and toiletries (water bottle, medicine, bug spray, etc.) We highly recommend bringing a mug/drinking glass.

Food: The food provided is a plenty, though it is only served 3 times a day. If there is something you really enjoy or would like to have, please bring it with you. However, please note that rooms do not have fridges, microwaves, or another other kitchen-based items.

Raffle Item: To raise money for scholarship students and guest artists, the camp hosts a daily raffle. These can be bassoon-related items (cane, tools, music, books), hand-made crafts, or other items fellow bassoonists might enjoy. Please consider donating to the raffle by bringing an item!

Each room is equipped with two beds and a private bathroom. Campers will be paired up with a roommate.

Every room is equipped with a pillow, bedding, toilet paper, towels, plastic cups, and hand soap.

As part of GPBC, there will be a multitude of excerpts and pieces covered by our guest artists.

We request that you bring your Stadio Book as it covers a large assortment of our repertoire.

For selections not in the Stadio, we provide a printed booklet upon check-in.

Wildacres’ chefs provide 3 fantastic meals each day in the dining hall. If you have dietary restrictions, we take note of these and send them to the chefs so they can provide special meals for you.

In addition to the dining hall, there is a canteen with a soda machine and some snacks available for purchase.

Feel free to bring your own goodies from home!

ARRIVAL:

Please do NOT arrive before 3:00pm on the first day of camp. This is Wildacre Retreat’s check-in time and we must not crowd the area before they are ready to receive us. If you plan on arriving to North Carolina the day before, you must find your own lodgings.

The first day’s schedule:

• Check in starts at 3:00pm (Memorial Day) - Please bring proof of negative COVID test, pay the rest of your tuition, and collect your camp book and t-shirt

• Dinner at 6:30pm in the dining hall

• Lenny Hindell Masterclass at 7:30pm.

• Following the masterclass, there will be an introduction to Wildacres Retreat.

• In the evening, we host a customary opening reception in the snack bar area.

DEPARTURE:

The final day of camp is simply breakfast, packing up the cars, and saying goodbyes. If you are booking a flight home, please book it no earlier than 12pm on the last day so there is time to drive to the airport.

You’ll have a day off mid-session (usually Saturday) to facilitate sightseeing, rest, and relaxation. Box lunches will be provided in addition to the usual breakfast and dinner service. Camp is only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland, and Wildacres provides ample sightseeing, bird watching and hiking for your day off. There are many fascinating things for you to do, including visiting Penland (nationally famous crafts school), Biltmore House in Asheville, the emerald mines, play mini-golf, or visit local craftspeople galore.

Wildacres Retreat
1565 Wildacres Road
Little Switzerland, NC 28749

Campers usually arrive in 2 ways - by car or flight.

Driving: We will provide specific instructions on how to get up the mountain in your introduction booklet after registration.

Flying: please fly into the Ashville Airport on the first day of camp. We will then have another camper pick you up and drive you up the mountain! Your driver will be assigned a few weeks prior to camp.