Nestled in the woods near Manistee National Forest, Michigan, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers more than just arts education. Kids in grades 5-12 — most from Michigan — hone their craft in music, art, theater, dance, and creative writing while also soaking up classic summer fun.
“Blue Lake is, by its very nature, a traditional American summer camp with a focus on quality arts education,” says Heidi Stansell, VP of operations. “Our programs offer a great opportunity for students to grow quickly, guided by highly qualified faculty and staff. They learn a lot during the day — and still enjoy classic camp fun like s’mores and camp songs.”
Since 1966, this camp has offered a place for kids to excel while experiencing summer away from home. Here’s a look at what’s in store for 2025.
A broad variety of fine arts programs
Over 12 days, campers refine their skills, connect with peers and mentors, and prepare for a final presentation. “Students grow artistically and personally,” Stansell says. Kids can choose one major and one minor:
- Music: From jazz, orchestra and band to choir, piano and harp, students of all skill levels are placed in ensembles that challenge them.
- Theater and dance: Students take center stage in musical theater, contemporary acting and Shakespeare, or explore movement through classical ballet, contemporary/modern dance and more.
- Creative writing: Aspiring authors develop their skills in poetry and prose, plus explore new writing genres through mixed media.
- Visual arts: Young artists can dive into drawing and painting, ceramics, printmaking/book arts, fiber arts, sculpture and more.
- Camp Bernstein: A junior camp tailored for grade 5-8 students in band and orchestra. Offers a softer launch into overnight camp for less experienced kids.
Who would love Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp?
Blue Lake suits students at any stage of their arts journey. “We offer programs for all ability levels, from those just starting out to the most advanced,” Stansell says. “There is a place here for every motivated student.”
- Passionate performers: “Blue Lake appeals to students who are committed to their art and want to grow,” says Stansell.
- Creative explorers: Some students love being in a band, choir, or art class at school and want to keep learning over the summer.
- Beginners: Blue Lake also offers five-day Mini Camps designed for rising 5th-7th graders just starting out in band and choir.
What parents need to know about Blue Lake
- Location: Set on 1,600 wooded acres near Manistee National Forest, the camp features trails, performance and instructional spaces, rustic cabins and a small lake.
- Schedule for 2025: Four 12-day overnight sessions run from June 25-Aug. 17, starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Sunday.
- Enrollment: Registration is first-come, first-served, with no audition required. Sessions are divided by grade level.
- Cost: Tuition ranges $1,780-$1,880, varying slightly by program. Generous merit-based and financial need scholarships are available.
- Uniforms required: Campers wear the Blue Lake uniform; expect about $85-$110 in fees.
- Transportation: Most metro Detroit campers are dropped off and picked up by car.
- No cellphones: “We do not permit cellphones,” Stansell says. “It has been our experience that both parents and kids appreciate the opportunity to reduce screen time.”
Why local families love Blue Lake
Parents and students alike are drawn to how Blue Lake approaches the arts, Stansell says.
“In the arts, there tends to be a lot of pressure on kids to perform and produce,” she explains. “We focus on the whole student. Camp is about growing personally, individually, and artistically, not just about trying to achieve a certain chair placement in your ensemble.”
Beyond classes and rehearsals, kids build new friendships, grow independently and experience a summer camp atmosphere out in nature.
This content is sponsored by Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, located near Manistee National Forest in Michigan. To discover more about its 2025 schedule, visit the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp website.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/dF0jwHA
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