Tim - the "Old FM week" has not happened since before the Amidons, though Alistair came close.
Allen/Brian P - well said-- though I think that even the traddies appreciate good pickers and songwriters and would likely not be turned off to a balanced program.   (Again, as below, an integrated program, I believe, is key)

Although campers were asked for opinions, those opinions have been clearly disregarded over the past years. I spent many years painstakingly filling out the evaluation forms, and even emailing additional thoughts after some of the weeks. And I know my suggestions were expressed by others as well. Asking for opinions or suggestions is one thing, listening, hearing, understanding, and acting on them, another.

As much as I enjoyed the Peter & Mary Alice program, the majority of the music was religious. After their first year, and input from many of the campers, I was hoping that would be different, but it wasn't -- and as much as the first year they ran the program was a high-attendance year, we lost many of the folks who typically stayed up and jammed all night -- the instrumentalists, because there was really nothing for them, except an afterthought. Prior years had an integrated program of instrumental and song workshops including a mixed workshop or two (oh my - the pickers and the singers together!) and late night jams were just that-- not formalized circles going from one to the next in a circle where it took 2 or more hours to get around.

So many organizations are looking to attract "younger" folks -- I ask, 20 something, 30 something or what? Most 20 somethings for the most part, do not have the disposable income to drop almost $1k on a week at pinewoods and 30 somethings are building careers and families. Yes, all of these organizations need an influx of new blood, but without alienating the old blood that is still around and participating and contributing. Let's not forget that many of the older folks make significant contributions of time, and money, even when they cannot be there in person. Let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.

Perhaps turning that one week in the summer over to another group (or groups) to run to put together a full week might be a viable option.

Everything changes -- if it is solely about money, then so be it. There is nothing more to say except "Do what you want". If it is about the preservation (not mummification) of traditional music, and keeping the core folks who do come to the week, CDSS might do well to really listen and hear what long time FM week campers have been saying. That goes for the FM Week advisors and Board members as well.