Resources & FAQs | Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (2024)

To apply for camp, visit APPLY TO CAMP. You will be asked to create a family account, and can then proceed with the application process by selecting Application 2024.

No, you cannot reserve a spot in camp over the phone. To register, visit APPLY TO CAMP. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-221-3796.

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. Once enrolled, musicians and actors will be asked to submit a video for ensemble placement prior to arrival at camp.

Once you have submitted your electronic application, it will be reviewed by Blue Lake’s admissions office. You will then receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive confirmation of enrollment within one week, contact Admissions Office at 800-221-3796 or admissions@bluelake.org.

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 a waiting list, you must submit an electronic application and payment authorization for the deposit. If we are unable to accommodate your student, you will not be charged. You may request to be removed from the waiting list at any time.

Cabin mate applications must be submitted within 72 hours of each other in order to be considered. An attempt will be made to house students together on a first-come, first served basis, based upon housing availability. However, cabin mate requests are not guaranteed. You may request only one cabin mate. Notification of housing assignment will be sent with final instructions prior to camp.

Blue Lake can provide transportation for students to and from commercial transportation depots within a one-hour radius of the campus (Muskegon and Grand Rapids).Visit Transportation Assistance for detailed information on fees, specific departure and arrival dates, and more.

Blue Lake strongly discourages campers from arriving or departing outside of the scheduled day and time window. However, if necessary, arrangements can be made for students to arrive the day before or depart the day after the session. Fees apply for any campers arriving early, departing late, or staying between sessions. Visit Tuition and Fees for more details on specific fees, dates, and times, or call our administrative office at 800-221-3796 with specific questions about your camper’s drop-off and pick-up needs.

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. Campers who do not enroll in a minor class are supervised in their unit during that time. All students, regardless of minor selection and schedule, have daily rest, recreation, and free time in the afternoon. If your camper is already registered and you would like to add or change a minor, please email admissions@bluelake.org.

Once enrolled, you will receive an email confirmation with information on what to do next, including how to complete your camper’s health form, pre-orders (such as uniforms and care packages), deposit spending money in the camper bank, make payments, and more. You can also consult the Camper-Family Answer Book, available in the documents center of your camp account, or contact the Blue Lake office at 800-221-3796.

Explore our Piano Majors page for more information on piano proficiency.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Does Blue Lake offer full scholarships for those who qualify for assistance?

Blue Lake offers a range of assistance for families who qualify through the Financial Scholarship application. Awards range from approximately 40% of tuition to 90% of tuition, and some may also qualify for reduced deposit and complimentary uniform bundle. We do not offer full scholarships

If I receive a Financial Scholarship what will I have to pay?

In order to secure a reservation at camp, you will need to complete the enrollment application and pay the deposit. Depending on the type of financial assistance you qualify for, you may be required to pay a small additional balance.

What if I don’t have a W2 or a Tax Return to submit?

A pay stub or unemployment benefits letter may be submitted in the place of a W2 or Tax Return.

What if my child does not have an arts instructor to provide a recommendation letter?

Your child may obtain a letter from a teacher, mentor, school administrator, or someone who can speak to your child’s interests, character, and abilities.

My child has previously received a Blue Lake scholarship through the Merit program (or other program). Can we combine Blue Lake Scholarships?

Blue Lake scholarships cannot be combined: only one Blue Lake scholarship per student per session. However, your child will receive the higher amount.

Does a Financial Scholarship automatically hold a spot in camp for my child?

No. In order to secure a reservation at camp, you must submit a camp application and deposit. Submitting your deposit as soon as possible is encouraged in order to get your choice of major and minor.

Should I submit my child’s camp application prior to receiving notice of a Financial Scholarship?

We recommend that you wait to learn about any financial assistance prior to submitting your camp application, unless you are prepared to pay the full camp tuition. The required deposit is non-refundable.

How long will I have to decide about camp after receiving notice of a scholarship?

Blue Lake’s Financial Scholarships are valid for 2 weeks. You must register for camp within that time in order to use the scholarship award. Unused or declined scholarships will be awarded to other deserving candidates after the expiration date passes.

My child has an Alumni Scholarship from attending last year. Can we combine Blue Lake Merit and Alumni Scholarships?

Blue Lake scholarships cannot be combined: only one Blue Lake scholarship per student per session. However, your child will receive the higher amount.

My child has an Alumni Scholarship. Should they still audition at school?

Your child is welcome to audition for a scholarship representative. A Merit scholarship award could be higher than their alumni scholarship, or it may remain the same. Your child will receive the higher of the two awards, but they cannot be combined.

My child attended District or State Solo & Ensemble Festival and received a rating for a solo. Do they still need to submit an audition with their Merit Application?

If your child performed a solo (not a duet or ensemble) for Solo & Ensemble Festival, they may submit a PDF of their rating sheet in place of the video audition.

Is a Merit Scholarship the highest scholarship that Blue Lake offers?

The Merit program offers a wide range of scholarships within all arts disciplines. In many cases, this is the highest merit-based scholarship. Advanced Scholarships, Masterworks and Camerata programs, offer more to those who qualify for these unique programs. The Financial Scholarship program offers substantial need-based assistance, and scholarship amounts range up to 90% of tuition based upon qualifying criteria.

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.

Blue Lake accommodates campers with a variety of health needs, including allergies and dietary restrictions. Please visit the Health Services page for more information and contact Miriam Acosta, Director of Health Services, at 800-221-3796 x239 to discuss your camper’s individual needs.

Blue Lake counseling staff launders campers’ uniform items at least five times a session. This includes polos, blue bottoms, sweaters, and uniform sweatshirts. Students are expected to bring enough socks, underwear, towels, and other personal items to last the entire session.

Take time to discuss meeting new friends and living in a community with people who come from different backgrounds or hold different beliefs. Talk to your camper about respecting others, including respecting differences. Discuss the importance of getting to know people beyond a first impression.

Reinforce the importance of respecting others’ belongings, space, and privacy. Share the importance of pitching in to help keep the cabin clean. Talk through morning and night routines in a camp setting. Discuss strategies for keeping track of personal belongings, including keeping spaces tidy and labeling items with initials or name. Pack 25% less than what you think your child needs. Keep snacks in a plastic tub with a lid.

Most students come to camp without knowing others and are eager to make new friends! Staff members strive to connect students within the cabin and work to create a cohesive group. Introductory activities, games, ice-breakers, cabin orientation, and a special focus on building friendships help to foster a welcoming camp community. Experienced campers often assist new-to-Blue Lake counterparts with daily details of camp. Counselors check in routinely with individuals to ensure that everyone is having a great time.

Central Camp unit restrooms are centrally located within each housing area and contain shared sink spaces, and individual shower and toilet stalls. Camp Bernstein cabins have restrooms and showers within each cabin.

We recommend campers bring a shower caddy (for shampoo, soap, other toiletries), shower shoes (flip flops or sliders), and two towels (so that one is always dry).

Several areas within the cabin and housing unit are defined as single-occupancy spaces, such as bathroom stalls, shower stalls, and bunks. Campers find a variety of ways to change privately: rigging up a towel or sheet between bunks, changing under their covers, using a stall in the bathhouse, etc.Staff can help campers find a more private option if needed.

Campers are expected to contribute positively to a respectful camp community through always exhibiting patience and kindness toward others. If a conflict arises, students should feel comfortable sharing concerns with a staff member. Staff members will work with your student to mediate and resolve concerns.

To learn more specifically about supporting gender-diverse students, review this information from the U.S. Department of Education:Supporting Transgender Youth Fact Sheet.

Inclusion topics are discussed with counselors beginning in the interview and continuing throughout training. Counseling staff participate in extensive in-person orientation before campers arrive, where they learn about camp policies and expectations, terminology and definitions around diversity and inclusion, and have opportunities to practice leading camper orientation sessions and handling sensitive conversations with campers. Staff members are supported by an experienced leadership team who are skilled in building community, inclusive practices, and conflict resolution. We continually strive to listen, learn, and improve our camp community through effective DEIB training and practice.