The Big Bend Songwriters' Retreat

September 11-14, 2025 - Hinton, WV

Big Bend is a four-day, in-person event where songwriters with all levels of experience can write, commune, learn and rest. Located at Camp Waldo, a retreat on the Greenbrier River in Hinton, West Virginia, the songwriting retreat offers world-class songwriting instruction, comfortable lodging, and three vegetarian meals a day at a historic camp facility.

The retreat offers a mix of learning opportunities, group activities, solo writing time, and rest. The retreat is meant to be a time where you choose to participate in whatever will benefit you most as a songwriter whether it be attending workshops, co-writing songs, walking by the river, or napping.

This year's retreat will take place on September 11-14, 2025 at Camp Waldo in Hinton, WV.

Register To Attend

Your Instructor

Veteran song writing instructor Shane Adams, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is a professor at The Berklee School of Music and the president of the production company, Artist Accelerator.

He is beloved for his toolkit of writing ideas, his incredible insight into what makes a great song great, and his willingness to engage with songwriters at any level of experience.

Register To Attend

Your Instructor

Best known for his role as Music Director of Mountain Stage, the acclaimed NPR radio show, Ron Sowell is also a dynamic singer-songwriter, guitar & harmonica player, performer and producer. Ron has performed with Sarah McLachlan, Lyle Lovette, The Band, REM, Dr John and Nora Jones. Ron has four solo albums to his credit. His latest 2025 release, Dance Till the Music Stops is comprised of 10 original songs that illuminate complicated philosophical subject matter: love, karma, and death with simple and truthful lyrics, elegant arrangements, and top-notch musicianship. 

Register To Attend

Your Lodging

The Big Bend Songwriters’ Retreat is housed at Camp Waldo in Hinton, West Virginia.

Camp Waldo (originally Camp Lightfoot) was built in the 1940’s for children of coal miners. In the early 2010's, the facility was renovated by its new parent company, Appalachian Headwaters.

The spacious cabins feature hardwood floors, private bathrooms with showers, and many soothing, summer night sounds to fall asleep to.

Register To Attend

The Food

Camp Waldo keeps a vegetarian kitchen run by Chefs Al and Willie, pictured here; omnivores and vegetarians alike rave about the quality of the food served at the retreat.

Retreaters receive three, healthy vegetarian meals a day at “family style” tables in the dining hall.

Register To Attend
 
1 1

Purchase Your Ticket

2025 Admission - Big Bend Songwriters' Retreat

Admission for one at the Big Bend Songwriters' Retreat, held September 11-14, 2025 at Camp Waldo in Hinton, WV. Your registration includes: Admission to the Songwriters' Retreat; group songwriting instruction from veteran songwriting instructor and Berklee College of Music professor Shane Adams; three vegetarian meals per day; and three nights' accommodations at Camp Waldo.

$440.00 USD
$440.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Ticket type
View full details

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I arrive and depart?

The camp begins Thursday evening, September 11. Check in is between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Check out is 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 14. 

Where is this camp anyway?

The retreat is held at Camp Waldo, which is located in Summer's County, West Virginia on the Greenbrier River between Talcott and Hinton. The exact address is, 206 Ferrells Eddy Fort, Hinton, WV 25951.

Do I need to have songwriting experience or experience playing an instrument?

No. Shane Adams will walk you through writing a song from scratch. We strive to make this an extremely supportive environment, and all skill levels welcome. While it will be helpful to know some music theory and have some experience playing an instrument, most of the focus is on lyric and melody. So if you can sing your words, you have everything you need. Other instrumentalists at the camp are also ready and willing to help harmonize your melody by filling out the chords. You are not alone!

Is there a keyboard on the premises? 

There is a keyboard designated for instructor use and performance, but there isn't really an extra one to practice on. If you have something small and portable, we suggest you bring it!

What should I bring?

You will receive a detailed list a few weeks before the retreat, but in short, you should bring your main instrument if you have one (provided it is reasonably portable), clothing (think layers), toiletries, a towel, bedding, a water bottle, and a reliable flashlight.

Will I have a roommate?

Only if you request one. This year, unless there is someone you want to room with, we are placing attendees in single rooms. If you and someone else would prefer to room together, please email us using the contact form below.

Is there wifi and cell phone service at the camp?

There is no wifi at the camp, and phone reception tends to be quite spotty. So think of it as a welcomed retreat from your phone. 

When does the Early Bird sale end?

The early bird registration is from now untilJuly 31, 2025. 

What is the deadline for registration?

The hard deadline for registration isAugust 31, 2025.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, no. We love our pets too, but Camp Waldo, understandably, does not allow pets. 

Other Questions? Contact Us!