Oona Grady

Join us for a brand-new musical experience at Great Camp Sagamore, led by celebrated musicians Oona Grady & James Gascoyne, along with members of the Millstone Rounders. Known for their warm, timeless sound, the Millstone Rounders play and sing classic country, bluegrass, blues, and more — all completely acoustic, gathered around a single microphone. Their style is easy on the ears and food for the soul, capturing the heart of traditional American music.

Over the course of this immersive three-day retreat, participants will learn directly from our instructors in small group sessions tailored to a variety of instruments and skill levels. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and community. Bring your musical instrument(s) of choice (including your voice!), and play and learn in the company of others.

The Millstone Rounders (Oona, James, Scott Hopkins, Matt Griffin, and Dylan Perrillo) are beloved teachers as well as excellent musicians, having offered lessons, classes, and workshops at the Caffe Lena School of Music, Ashokan Banjo Camp, Flurry Fest, GrassRoots Culture Camp, and Winter Village Music Camp, and more.

Modeled on our beloved Mountain Music program, this new offering brings fresh instructors and expanded musical opportunities, all set against the historic backdrop of Great Camp Sagamore. Expect jam sessions, skill-building workshops, shared meals, and evenings filled with song in true Adirondack style.

Make music, make memories, and connect through the joy of acoustic sound.

Program Activities:

-Expert instruction and collaboration on instruments, songwriting, new songs & the history of the music

-Instructor concerts

-Grand finale student showcase

-Bring your musical instrument(s) of choice (including your voice!), and play and learn in the company of others

-The instrumental workshops will be focused on stringband instruments, including: fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, and bass

Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Building on the format of the weekly After School Youth Folk Ensembles offered during the school year at Caffe Lena, this summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 6 – 10, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm).

Three hours each morning and midday will be focused on making music, including singing, exploring various string instruments, music theory basics, rhythm exercises, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch, confidence in performance practice, and more. Each day will finish with extracurricular activities including lunch in congress park! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.  

Youth Folk Ensemble is– 

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

Scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY

Oona & James will offer music activities throughout the weekend. About Family Camp:

Spend a fun-filled weekend with the family surrounded by the charm of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Great Camp Sagamore celebrates all kinds of family connections. Building on the success of our Grandparent & Grandchild Camp, we’ve created a welcoming space for families of every kind to come together and enjoy a shared experience. This two-night program is designed to offer something for everyone: kids, teens, and adults alike.

Enjoy a relaxed pace and a welcoming atmosphere in a National Historic Landmark brimming with history and heart. Throughout the weekend, enjoy music, nature-inspired art projects, swimming, canoeing, hiking, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to make new memories, Family Camp is a chance to unplug, play, and simply enjoy time together.

Sold out, but consider joining the wait list.

Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY

Immerse yourself for four days of instrument, dance and movement workshops, with themed nightly dinners & dances!

Come for the full 4 days or stop in for dinner and a dance!

There's something for everyone at Culture Camp.

Oona and James will teach Irish fiddle and guitar. Details/Schedule TBA.

2026 Instructors from:

Preston Frank, The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee, The Revelers, Johnny Nicholas and the Cool Drivers ft. David Greely (Mamou Playboys), The Byrne Brothers, Verlon Thompson, Jake Blount, Judy Hyman, Jeff Claus, Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small, Donna The Buffalo, The New Floyd County Ramblers, Richie Stearns, Rosie Newton, Singtrece, Maddy Walsh, Hank Roberts, Kevin Wimmer, Travis Knapp & Annie Sumi, Ric Robertson, Keith Secola, Drank The Gold, New Planets, Alejandro Baldoquin, Yet To Be Gold, Rozalyn Menachof, Mollie Farr, and many more!

Work Trade and scholarships are available.

GrassRoots Festival, Trumansburg, NY

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 12-17 (or by instructor permission) to learn music in a dynamic group setting.  This camp is for students who already have some experience singing songs and playing string instruments (familiar with the keys of D, G, and C).

In Troubadours in Training camp we will explore:

-How to find and build a repertoire of songs and tunes

-Expanding vocabulary on one's instrument

-Group and harmony singing

-Vocal technique

-Developing a sense of rhythm and groove

-Playing on stage and performance practice

-Songwriting and arranging

This summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting 9:30 am - 3:30 pm August 3 - 7, 2026.  In this music intensive week we will learn so much after five days together!  At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.  

Scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY