What do you mean by “intergenerational”? Why is that relevant?
We call ourselves a ‘intergenerational weekend’ because we’re committed to making sure that younger folks (here defined as under 50) who might have less financial flexibility or experience with singing, are able to attend and feel welcome to participate in this event. Fostering the next generation of song leaders is a core value for Raise The Rafters. That said, we’re just as committed to making sure that people of all ages feel welcome – to quote our mission statement, we believe that continuation of singing traditions depends upon connection and continuity between generations.
What do you mean by “social singing”?
We do community singing at RTR. There are many traditional genres and singing styles that encourage people to sing together. These songs are generally learned by ear, harmonized and joined without rehearsal, and include (but are not limited to): work songs, labor and union songs, drinking & pub songs, blues, gospel, old-time, Appalachian, sea songs and chanteys, ballads, railroad songs, prison songs, lullabies, forebitters, broadsides, hymns, vaudeville, camp songs, farming, mining and factory songs, country, bluegrass, spirituals, cowboy songs, American, English, Irish, Scottish, Canadian, Caribbean and Australian songs, children’s songs, field hollers, and love songs. They can include contemporary songs in traditional genres, as well as songs that have stood the test of time.
What exactly is a Singing Weekend?”
This is a camp weekend, spanning from Friday – Sunday, at the Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp in northern Oregon (https://mhkc.org/). Think fir trees, dirt paths, wood timber buildings and cabins, bunk beds, communal dining hall. It is rustic, but not backcountry camping; there are flush toilets, electricity, heating, showers, etc. We will help to coordinate rideshares to get to camp, and do our best to meet the needs of all campers who want to attend, including dietary and housing requirements, financial assistance, and childcare at the event. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
I’ve never sung with other people, can I still come?
Absolutely! Beginners are welcome at Raise the Rafters. At the start of the weekend, we will have an introduction to social singing for folks who haven’t done it before, as well as going over the norms and community guidelines for everyone.
When will registration open?
Registration is open as of July 18. You can register by clicking HERE! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so please sign up soon!
What is your COVID safety policy?
To keep our community as safe as possible, we require proof of vaccination and booster(s) to participate in camp. All attendees will also be required to present proof a negative PCR test from within the last 72 hours, or take a rapid antigen test on the day of the event (Friday 10/13) before arriving. Attendees must bring their own antigen tests. Should someone test positive, we will have a separate cabin for them to isolate in. We can also provide transportation back to Portland if needed.
Masks will be optional at the event. We as organizers really, really do not want to be responsible for running an event that leads to a Covid-19 outbreak, either at the camp itself or upon returning to home communities. If you or a member of your household feel sick or test positive in the week leading up to the event, please reach out to us ASAP to discuss options.
A lot can change before October. We are keeping a close eye on case counts and public health recommendations, and may update our testing policies nearer to the day. If we judge it to be unsafe to hold Raise The Rafters in November, it will be postponed and registrations can be carried forward, and we will be actively communicating as camp draws near.
Do you have a Code of Conduct?
Yes! It can be found at this link: Code of Conduct
We would love for you to read it, and we require all attendees to abide by it.
Do you have a Recording Policy?
Yes! It can be found at this link: Recording Policy