Spring Thing 2026
Join the Philadelphia Folksong Society for Spring Thing, a joyful weekend of music, community, crafts, and family—set at the beautiful College Settlement Camp.
We’re excited to bring Spring Thing back in 2026 after a brief hiatus!
This is a fully participatory weekend. We kick things off Friday night with a potluck dinner, music jams, and campfires. Throughout the weekend, enjoy participant-led workshops in music, singing, crafts, and games—for kids and adults, beginners and seasoned performers alike.
Be as active as you like—jump into a jam, lead a workshop, or simply relax and let the music drift through the trees.
After hours, the magic continues—wander from the family campfire to small jam circles and cabin gatherings, where impromptu music carries on into the wee hours.
Saturday features open mics for kids and adults (sign up that day), and we close Sunday afternoon with a camp-wide sing.
Camp amenities include cabins, tent and RV space, playgrounds, nature trails, and a campfire.
Play, sing, learn, and connect—Spring Thing is folk music you don’t just hear… you live.
Bring your instruments, your friends & family, and your favorite tunes: Spring Thing’s a-coming! Buy your tickets here, and connect with the Spring Thing community on Facebook.
If you have any questions, have an idea for a great activity, or otherwise, please email SpringThing@pfs.org
We appreciate your support!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s it like?
A weekend of wonderful interactive music, workshops, jams and more. SPRING THING EMPHASIZES PARTICIPATION !! Includes all that, plus a bit of volunteering.
At this camp, there are no hills, and there are walking trails and gravel roads. There will be some parking available near your cabin. We will have two golf carts for helping those in need get around on Saturday and Sunday. All cabins have Heat and Air Conditioning.
When can I arrive?
If coming for the weekend:
Arrive by 5:00pm (ish) on Friday, check in at the dining hall, and then you can drive to your cabin. If tenting, drive to your tent site and drop your stuff.
On Sunday we all need to be packed up and leaving by 5 pm. Best to pack up early, and load out, then you can join in all day and leave on time.
For day trippers,
Friday only, arrive 5:00pm (ish), leave by midnight
Saturday only, arrive after 9:00am, leave by midnight
Sunday only, arrive after 9:00am leave by 5:00pm
What’s included?
Friday evening: it is a pot luck supper so bring something to share.
There will be open jams, and a campfire.
Saturday: music and craft workshops, Open Mic for Kids and one for Adults. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night pizza, more open jams, and a campfire. There will be kind-friendly activities, and of course, tie-dye! Bring something to dye.
Sunday: cold early breakfast and later brunch, more workshops and a group sing before we all head home.
All weekend, The camp will be providing water jugs in many locations and refilling them for drinking water – for that, bring your own cup or water bottle, please. And there are restrooms in the dining hall available. We do plan to suggest that tents are erected near the dining hall – it is flat, but not much shade.
Meals will include options for varying dietary needs, please specify when registering.
What do I need to bring?
- If staying in a cabin: bedding for the bunks and the few cots that are in cabins. You can bring your own cot if you like. You will want sheets, blankets, a sleeping bag – whatever makes you the most comfortable. The bunks are just slightly smaller than a twin size bed. There are no larger bunks available and they are not movable. There are no tables in the bedding area – bring your own if you need one.
- Since you will be sharing a cabin with other people, be sure to have clothing that protects your privacy.
- There are showers in each cabin, so: soap, towels, et cetera.
- We will set up a dishwashing station near the dining hall, so we encourage you to bring cups and dishes of your own. Dish soap would be helpful!
- The cabins have many electric outlets, yet you may want power strips and extension cords if you need to plug in for charging or other needs.
- There are no bedside tables, so bring your own if you want to have things handy at night. The bunks do have drawers underneath.
- Most cabins will have empty upper bunks for stowing instruments or other gear.
- Party lights and lanterns if you want more comfortable lighting than the typical overhead fluorescent.
- There are no window coverings in the cabins, so we will offer colored plastic to pin over windows. Ask at registration area if you want that, or bring your own window coverings, and push pins.
- Though there are benches and picnic tables scattered around the site, bringing your own camp chair is recommended.
- Personal items: instruments, song books, music stand, flashlights, sunscreen, bug repellant, ear plugs, snacks and beverages for yourself, though there will be water available all the time, and coffee and tea in the dining hall. Don’t forget medications and any other personal items! Weather is never predictable, so layers and rain gear are suggested. And good walking shoes since there will be lots of that.
- There is no swimming at this camp, but there is a creek and plenty of nature trails to explore.
- For outdoor activities: there are large play areas for basketball and Gaga ball; paths for kids biking. All cyclists are required to wear helmets.
- If planning on Tie Dye workshop, bring what you want to dye.
- If planning on bringing your own tent, bring whatever you normally add for camping, i.e. bedding, lantern, et cetera. You will have access to water and restrooms.
- If you will be bringing your own RV, be aware that there will not be hookups, you may be able to access electricity, but will need a long extension cord for that. No generators running, please.
How can I help?
Spring Thing has always worked because we all do our part. We ask that everyone who comes for the weekend help with at least one shift of 1-2 hours. (More is always welcome!).
We will need help with:
- Parking: One hour shift On Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning
- Golf cart shuttle driving: One hour shift daytime on Saturday and Sunday
- Registration desk: One hour assistance Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday
- Food set up & clearing – one hour, before and after each meal
- Tables, benches & chair set up for pavilions where workshops will be
- Stage /Sound and Lighting: Help with loading equipment in and out
- Campfire oversight and safety – ensuring proper burning and extinguishing
- Cabin check for closure
Workshops:
- Music, song and dance
- Yoga, meditation, nature
- Crafting and games, may need assistants.
- Tie dye leader and at least two helpers
College Settlement Camp, Witmer Road, Horsham PA
There are three clusters of cabins. Each cluster has at least one cabin that is ADA compliant.
When you get your cabin assignment, you may be sharing with your friends or folks you have not met yet. Please respect the privacy and possessions of your cabin mates.
Each cluster has a covered pavilion where workshops will be held during the day. Jamming can take place in the evening, but outdoor volume must settle down into quiet by 10 pm.


