Stick Camp Canada 2026
August 25-30, Gabriola Island, BC
Celebrating 25 years of Stick events in British Columbia
Stick Camp Canada is the 24th annual Chapman Stick gathering in British Columbia hosted by Vancouver Stick player Jim Meyer, each featuring a diverse group of international Stick players.
Stick Camp Canada is an All-Inclusive Musical Vacation for people who play the Chapman Stick family of 2-handed tapping instruments developed by Emmett Chapman, though all tappers are welcome!
Stick Camp Canada is a gathering of players of all skill levels, in order to learn, share ideas and make music together. There are performance opportunities each evening. You are invited to play solo or with groups of Stick players. Bob and Tom will each lead group performances.
Instructors - Bob, Tom and Jim
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, audio engineer, producer and Berklee College of Music grad Tom Griesgraber is best known for his mastery of the Chapman Stick. He tours regularly as a member of the California Guitar Trio and as a soloist. From Agent 22 to his duo with drummer Jerry Marotta to his score for the 2025 documentary Prairie Prophecy, Tom’s music covers a lot of ground! Learn more at https://tomgriesgraber.com.
An early adopter of the Stick, Bob Culbertson has been playing and teaching on the instrument since the ’70s. Bob’s music incorporates elements of Celtic, Spanish, Classical and Blues. Always exploring, Bob has added handpan, digeridoo and Shruti box to his recordings and performances. Bob’s Lessons on the Chapman Stick video series has helped countless Stick players. Visit stickmusic.com to find out more about Bob.
Jim Meyer is a Vancouver-based Chapman Stick player and the host of Stick Camp Canada. This is Jim’s 24th International Stick event in British Columbia. The events draw Chapman Stick players from across North America, South America and Europe. Jim’s Stick compositions can be heard on Arbutus and Jade with drummer Mike Michalkow and Watercolour – a solo Stick recording.
Stick Camp Canada is a 4-day Stick immersion experience on the shores of beautiful Gabriola Island!
Stick Camp Canada is an opportunity to mingle, learn, compose and perform with fellow Stick players from around the world. Stick Campers share accommodations in a rustic retreat nestled in the woods, surrounded by the natural beauty of Gabriola Island. Stick Camp is a great opportunity to share ideas and techniques.
It is a celebration of the life and creations of Emmett Chapman (1936-2021).
IMPORTANT: Getting to Gabriola - Book Your Ferry !
It takes several hours to get to Gabriola Island from the Vancouver area so you’ll want to be in Vancouver by mid-morning on Wednesday at the latest. Even better – come to the Tuesday BBQ!
If you are driving, a ferry reservation is essential to avoid significant delays. August, and especially the Sunday return, are extremely busy times for the ferry. Book your trip from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) at bcferries.com.
If you are on foot, the fast passenger ferry from downtown Vancouver to the Nanaimo waterfront can be booked at hullo.com.
The short ferry from Nanaimo to Gabriola Island does not take reservations, but departs every 35 minutes or so throughout the day.
Stick Camp Canada 2026 Schedule
- Tuesday, August 25: Optional Meet and Greet BBQ in Vancouver 6:00pm
- Wednesday, August 26: Travel to Gabriola Island and arrive before dinner at 6:00pm
- Thursday through Saturday: Stick Camp with performances every evening
- Sunday August 30: Depart Gabriola after breakfast
Optional Vancouver performance of instructors Bob, Tom and Jim, with drummer Mike Michalkow, at Frankie’s Jazz Club (separate reservation required).
No better way to wrap up a Stick retreat than to enjoy a great meal with new friends!
Let's Get Mike To Gabriola!
Master Drummer Mike Michalkow has been the Stick Camp Canada drummer for more than 15 years, but he has never gone to Gabriola with us. Help get Mike to Gabriola by making a contribution at the bottom of the page.
Mike hosts drum clinics for Yamaha, Paiste, Evans and Pro Mark. He is the author of The Total Rock Drummer and several instructional drumming DVDs.
Mike has performed with more Stick players than any other drummer on the planet! He plays all styles and his performance partners include Greg Howard, Bob Culbertson, Jim Lampi, Don Schiff, Tom Griesgraber, Steve Adelson, Jim Meyer, Dale Ladouceur, Japhlet Bire Attias, Gene Perry and Nathen Aswell among many others.
If you would like to perform with a drummer on Gabriola, Mike is happy to jump in!
Three Types of Lodging!
Stick Camp Canada 2024 offers 3 lodging choices:
- Dorm Room: 4 persons per room with shared bathroom: $1,195 USD
- Shared Room: 2 persons per room with a private bathroom: $1,495 USD
- Private Room: a private room with a private bathroom: $1,995 USD
Stick Camp Canada 2026 Reservation includes:
- Tuesday evening BBQ in Vancouver
- 4 nights accommodation
- Buffet-style meals – from Wednesday dinner through Sunday Breakfast
- Coffee and tea throughout the day
- Use of the grounds and facilities
- Steps to the beach and hot tub
- Entrance to all Stick performances
- All seminar/instruction fees
- All local, federal and room taxes
- All gratuities
- Fantastic views of beautiful Gabriola Island and the Georgia Strait!
Bring a Significant Other
If you book a Private Room, you may bring a non-Stick playing (Teflon) partner. Your significant other will have access to the property, pool, hot tub, beach, all performances and all meals. The Partner Fee is $595 USD. Partner Fees must be paid by July 1, 2026. Rooms for couples are limited so please make arrangements early.
Make your Reservation Today!
Stick Camp Canada has a limited number of rooms so don’t delay!
Stick players and other tappers of all levels, all styles and all nations – don’t miss this chance to be a part of the Chapman Stick event of the year featuring Bob Culbertson, Tom Griesgraber and Jim Meyer.
DORM ROOM
SHARED ROOM
PRIVATE ROOM
Four people per room with shared bathroom.
$1,195 USD
Two persons per room with private bathroom.
$1,495 USD
Private room with a private bathroom.
$1,995 USD
Bring a Teflon (that's "non-Stick") Partner (Optional)
$595 USD
Get Mike To Gabriola (Optional)
Contact us!
Please contact us and let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to help make your Stick experience memorable!
- How to get to Gabriola?
- Any dietary restrictions?
- Bringing a spouse?
- Looking for a specialty restaurant or food store?
- Any other questions?