A Few Frequently Asked Questions…
Does my child need to audition to be accepted
to camp?
No. A student may choose to audition prior to
camp in order to be considered for a scholarship.
However, no audition is required to enroll. Students
are evaluated on the first day of camp for ensemble
placements.
How will I know if my child has been
accepted to camp?
You will receive a letter indicating your registration
information and balance due shortly after Blue Lake
receives your application and deposit. If you do not
receive a written confirmation within two weeks of
mailing your materials, call Admissions at 800-221-
3796.
May I call to reserve my child a spot in camp?
You cannot reserve a spot in camp over the phone.
There are two ways to register for camp: you
can mail the application with the deposit, or you
can email the application with credit card info to
admissions@bluelake.org.
What is the difference between Camp
Bernstein and Central Camp?
Camp Bernstein is reserved for younger Band and
Orchestra students (grades 5 – 8). Typically, these
students are relatively inexperienced with their
instruments, new to a camp environment, and are
looking for a non-competitive learning experience to
help build their confidence. Camp Bernstein offers
a schedule tailored for younger, less experienced
musicians while the Central Camp schedule offers a higher degree of intensity designed to motivate and
challenge even the most advanced students. Camp
Bernstein counselors – typically young music teachers
or graduate students -- are actively involved in the
instruction of their campers as well as cabin supervision.
Central Camp students receive instruction from our
faculty, who are separate from the counseling staff. All
campers, regardless of program, have a well rounded
daily schedule that consists of approximately 6 hours of
instruction, plus time for recreation, rest, practice, free
time, and evening events, performances, and activities.
Do campers have to sign up for a minor class?
Minors play an important role in the camp experience
by providing students an outlet for creativity with a
different arts focus. Minors for Camp Bernstein students
are required. Minors for Central Camp students are
optional. However, the majority of Central Camp students
enroll in a minor, which allows them to complete their
instructional day with an alternative structured activity.
Students who are not enrolled in a minor use that time
for rest or practice. All students, regardless of schedule,
have daily free time in the late afternoon.
The session or program we wanted was not
available. How does the waiting list work?
When one of our programs fills, we begin a waiting list
for that program area. Students on waiting lists may
be admitted to camp at a later date when an opening
occurs, but other factors such as gender and age are
also considered due to housing limitations. To be placed
on the waiting list, you must submit an application and
deposit. If we are unable to accommodate your student,
we will return your full deposit. You may request to be
removed from the waiting list at any time.
My child is enrolled, but we don’t know what he/
she should bring to camp. When will we find out
more information?
About six weeks before your child’s camp session, you
will receive an informational packet in the mail. This
packet will include: your camper’s housing assignment,
check-in time, a packing list, as well as other important
information about your camper’s stay at Blue Lake.
My child wants to come to camp with a friend, can
they be in the same cabin?
Cabin mate requests will only be considered if the two
applications are submitted together. Go to “Cabin Mates”
in the registration section.
