The International Exchange Program,
established in 1969, is dedicated to promoting peace and understanding through the universal language of the arts. Since its inception, nearly 30,000 young European, Asian, and American artists have exchanged performances and experienced the love, wonder, and excitement of living with host families in a foreign land. More than 110,000 families in Europe and America have provided generous hospitality for the participants. Countless concert-goers on both continents have also been touched by these goodwill ambassadors.

Blue Lake annually sends eight performing groups on concert tours in Europe: a symphony orchestra, two symphony bands, choir, two jazz bands, ballet ensemble, and an adult community band.

Members of these groups are selected from Blue Lake’s summer campers. The following summer, after intensive rehearsals at camp, members will enjoy a three-week tour in Europe. While on tour, Blue Lake’s International groups present a performance in each community they visit and stay in private homes with host families. In addition Blue Lake also sends an Art Study Group and a Theater Study Group to France and England.

Approximately 10 European Musical Groups will visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer as a part of our International Exchange Program. These groups, which have previously hosted a Blue Lake International group in Europe, will now visit the United States for a two-week tour and a performance at Blue Lake for campers.

International Campers from nearly 20 countries visit Blue Lake each summer. As a part of the International Exchange Program, these students spend one week with an American host family after attending a session at Blue Lake.

Join Us! Here’s How! Blue Lake campers will have an opportunity to apply while in residence at Blue Lake. Students will be selected on the basis of application, citizenship, and musical ability as well as counselor and faculty evaluation.

For more information on how you can participate in Blue Lake’s cultural exchange, please contact:

Gretchen Stansell, Director
Blue Lake International Exchange Program
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
300 East Crystal Lake Rd.
Twin Lake, MI 49457

800-221-3796 or 231-894-1966

International@bluelake.org