Pit firing retreats

Join us at Camp Singers on May 15–17 or September 11–13 for a weekend of hands-on ceramic pit firing set against the quiet beauty of the Catskills. Together, we’ll explore this ancient technique—firing ceramics in an open pit using natural and manmade materials to create richly layered, organic finishes. With guidance from experienced instructors, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this elemental process and leave with one-of-a-kind pieces, a deeper connection to the craft, and a renewed appreciation for working with nature.

This is a beginner-friendly experience, open to all skill levels—just bring your own bisqueware (pieces that have been fired but not yet glazed).

Beyond the workshop, camp life unfolds slowly and generously: shared meals, long afternoons hiking or on the water, soaks in the hot tub and sauna, fishing, swimming in the pond or at the pool club, plus campfires, stargazing, archery, birding, and time for creative play.

What to Expect

Slow, Communal Rhythm – The firing unfolds over hours, creating space to gather, observe, and settle into the pace of the process together.

Guided, Yet Experimental – Learn foundational techniques from experienced instructors while still leaving room to play, test, and be surprised.

A Memorable Reveal – Uncovering the finished ceramics from the ash is part of the experience—each piece emerging with its own story

Freashly Made meals
Breakfast, lunch dinner throughtout the weekend. Ranging from pizza, snadwiches, and a farm to table dinner on the second night.

An Elemental Process – Work directly with fire, earth, and raw materials as we build and tend an open pit, allowing smoke, ash, and flame to shape each piece.

Schedule

    • 1:45pm - Bus rider pickup @ Delhi

    • 2-4:30pm - Camper Check-In @ Camp Singers

    • 5:00pm - Welcome Meeting & Camp Orientation

    • 5:30pm - Free Time

    • 8:00pm - Dinner & Cleanup

    • 9:30pm - Free Time

    • 11:00pm - Suggested Lights Out/Quiet in the House

    • 8:30am - Breakfast

    • 9:30am - Get Ready for the Day/Personal Time

    • 10:00am - Forest walk to forage for materials

    • 11:00am - Bisqueware show & tell, prepping ceramics for firing

    • 12:00pm - Lunch

    • 1:00pm - Rest Hour

    • 2:00pm - Pit Sessions/Camp Activities Continue

    • 7:00pm - Dinner & Cleanup

    • 11:00pm - Suggested Lights Out/Quiet in the House

    • 8:30am - Optional Morning Activities (Hiking, Yoga); Breakfast Snacks

    • 10:00am - Brunch & Unloading the Fire Pit

    • 12:30pm - Final piece share & closing ceremony

    • 1:15pm - Bus Rider Shuttle Departs to Delhi

    • 2:00pm - Camp Closed

The location

Camp Singers is designed as a place to gather, with warm, communal spaces that invite connection and ease. The wood-paneled dining room, with its pitched ceilings and cabin-like feel, overlooks the surrounding woods, while a stocked country kitchen opens into a fireside lounge—perfect for slow mornings, long conversations, or curling up with a book. The main gathering space is expansive and lively, centered around a long communal table for shared meals and games, with an electric organ for sing-alongs and a separate seating area to unwind.

Set across 88 acres of open pastures, forested trails, and a winding creek, the property encourages both exploration and stillness. Guests can relax in a cedar hot tub tucked inside a restored maple syrup hut, take a dip in the spring-fed pond, or paddle out by rowboat or canoe. A fully stocked arts and crafts barn offers space for creativity and quiet making, while a wood-fired sauna by the pond provides a place to reset. In the summer months, guests also have access to the Camp Singers Pool Club, a private off-site oasis just 10 minutes away.

2044 Holmes Hollow Rd, Delancey, NY 13752

What to Bring

  • playing cards, small games, a good book, camera or binoculars

    • Towel, washcloth, pillow, toothbrush, etc

    • Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, hat

  • Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes, extra socks & underwear, insulating mid-layers, bathing suit

  • Portable charger, reusable water bottle, headlamp

Accomdations and Amenities

  • BYO Tent, Rent a tent from us, or book one of the rooms in the house. There’s an option for everyone!

  • Flushable toilet

    Swimming pond

    15 person cedar Jacuzzi

    6 person Sauna

    Art House

    Dog-friendly