Folk Army | Guitar, Ukulele, Singing Lessons

2026 Folk Army Camps Announced

Folk Army Day Camps

Ukulele & Guitar Camp Ages 6 - 14

Is your Folk Army soldier ready for a fun, creative week of music, crafts, and new friendships? Our Day Camp offers guitar or ukulele instruction, hands-on musical crafts - including songwriting - and a final performance for family and friends. It’s a great introduction or complement to Folk Army, giving students the chance to explore instruments, meet fellow soldiers, and immerse themselves in a week of creativity and music.

Music & Art Camps 2026

Stratford, Ontario

A fun, creative week for students ages 6–14 who want to explore guitar or ukulele, plus visual arts activities, led by Dayna Manning — a Juno-nominated Canadian songwriter, recording artist, and founder of Folk Army, with a Master of Arts in Community Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. No experience is needed! Beginners are welcome, and we recommend starting on ukulele if you’re brand new. We have plenty of instruments available to borrow for the week, and Dayna’s experienced, supportive teaching ensures each student can learn at their own pace while enjoying group collaboration and creativity.

Dates & Times

MARCH BREAK CAMP
March 16 – 20, 2026 • Monday to Friday • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

SUMMER CAMPS
July 06 - 10 • Monday to Friday • 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
August 10 - 14 • Monday to Friday • 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Locations

March Break Camp:
Avondale United Church
194 Avondale Ave, Stratford, ON N5A 6N4

Summer Camps
Stratford Perth Museum
Line 34, Stratford, CA N5A 6S6

What to Expect

Daily guitar or ukulele instruction led by experienced, encouraging instructors
Small group learning that meets students where they’re at — beginners to experienced players
Ensemble playing, rhythm games, musical collaboration and songwriting
A strong focus on confidence-building, creativity, and having fun with music

Arts & Crafts

Throughout the week, campers will enjoy a wide variety of hands-on art projects, which may include:

Visual art and mixed‑media crafts
Music‑inspired art projects
Collaborative group creations
Take‑home artwork made with pride
Art activities are designed to support creativity, self‑expression, and relaxation alongside music learning.

Community & Connection

Our camp is about more than music and art — it’s about building community. Campers will:

Make new friends in a welcoming, inclusive environment
Learn teamwork through group music and shared art projects
Be encouraged to support and celebrate each other’s progress
Feel safe to try new things and grow creatively
Many campers leave with new friendships, increased confidence, and a sense of belonging.

End‑of‑Week Recital

At the end of the week, families are invited to a special recital and art showcase where campers:
Perform songs they’ve been working on during the week
Experience the excitement of sharing music on stage
Celebrate their accomplishments in a supportive, low‑pressure setting
Display selected artwork created during camp
This recital is a highlight of the week and a meaningful way to celebrate each camper’s growth.

Registration & Pricing

Premium Camp Fee: $300 per camper (includes instrument rental, all art supplies, and end-of-week recital)

Early-Bird Discount: 10% off if registered before February 15, 2026 ($270)

Sibling Discount: 10% off for each additional sibling ($270)

To register, please fill out the proper information form below and send an etransfer to folkarmy@daynamanning.com

MARCH BREAK CAMP: COMPLETE

JULY 6th - 10th CAMP: SOLD OUT: Please add your name to our waitlist here:

https://forms.gle/w4k9YoUhoAaB14XR8

August 10th - 14th CAMP: SOLD OUT: Please add your name to our waitlist here:
https://forms.gle/mf1SjjcXHHi2hmTQ7

Spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged!

For questions or additional details, please contact us at:
folkarmy@daynamanning.com or 519 801 6539

Dayna Manning

Folk Army Leader

Dayna Manning (guitar, ukulele, vocals): When Juno nominated singer-songwriter Dayna Manning isn’t recording her own award winning albums or touring North America, her focus turns to her private lesson school, the Folk Army, which she established in Stratford, Ontario in 2016. Dayna has taught over 100 beginner students to play, guitar or ukulele and sing! Dayna is thrilled to offer Folk Army Day Camps to teach kids all aspects of a fun folkie lifestyle, focused on music, community, kindness and sharing. Dayna has her Masters in Community Music from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lauren Neilson

Camp Assistant

Growing up in Stratford Ontario, I've always been surrounded by incredible artists and musicians. I started taking guitar lessons and vocal training from Dayna Manning when I was 12, and within ten minutes of my first lesson, I knew it would be my life. There’s something about the way a song connects with and inspires people that grounds me. Since I started performing, I’ve played at many local venues, fundraisers and markets. If I’m not trying to perfect my next cover, I am writing my own songs or teaching guitar lessons to other young girls and giving them the chance to fall in love with music and performing like I did. I am currently attending Wilfrid Laurier University for Community Music. I am grateful to have developed both passion and confidence in performance and songwriting through my opportunities of sharing music and can't wait to spend the rest of time doing it. I am currently studying Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University.