Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Central Camp for Teens (Orchestra)

Summer 2026

Blue Lake's Central Camp is the premier intensive arts program for teenagers (grades 7-12) seeking serious artistic growth in a dedicated, collegiate-like environment. Designed for students ready for focused study, it…

The instructional approach in Central Camp is intensive and discipline-specific. Students receive approximately five hours of daily training in their chosen major, which includes a combination of large ensemble rehearsals, small group sectionals or technique classes, and, for some majors like piano and harp, daily private lessons. Placement is based on pre-submitted audition videos or evaluations, ensuring students are grouped with peers of similar ability to work on challenging, curated repertoire or projects under the guidance of a faculty of professional artists and educators. Learning emphasizes hands-on practice, creativity, and personal expression. In arts majors, students explore diverse media and techniques in dedicated studios; musicians delve into standard and contemporary repertoire; theater students train in voice, movement, and specialized acting styles; and writers engage in workshop-style classes. The environment is supportive yet demanding, aiming for significant artistic progress over the 12-day session, culminating in final performances, exhibitions, or readings that showcase their accomplishments.

This intensive program is designed to provide serious teenage artists with professional-level training, creative challenges, and a transformative immersive experience in their chosen discipline, all within a supportive and inspiring community.

Camp Bernstein for Juniors

Summer 2026

Camp Bernstein is Blue Lake's specialized Junior Camp, meticulously designed for younger musicians in grades 5-8 who are newer to their instruments and often experiencing their first time away from home. This program…

The program focuses on foundational musical development through daily full ensemble rehearsals and sectional or technique classes, all led by supportive faculty and counselors who are often arts education majors. The instructional methodology is highly personalized and encouraging, with a low student-to-teacher ratio that fosters close relationships. Counselors are uniquely involved in both the instructional and recreational aspects of camp life, providing continuity and constant support to help young campers feel secure and motivated as they build their skills. In addition to core music instruction, every Bernstein camper participates in a required minor class, such as Art, Theater, Choir, or Creative Writing, which introduces them to a wide variety of creative processes through fun, project-based activities and games. This holistic approach ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience, blending musical achievement with broad creative exposure and plenty of supervised recreational time to foster friendship and a lifelong love for the arts.

This nurturing junior program provides young, developing musicians with a positive and supportive first camp experience, focusing on foundational skill-building, creative exploration, and personal growth in a fun, structured, and socially engaging environment.

Central Camp for Teens (Piano)

Summer 2026

Blue Lake's Central Camp is the premier intensive arts program for teenagers (grades 7-12) seeking serious artistic growth in a dedicated, collegiate-like environment. Designed for students ready for focused study, it…

The instructional approach in Central Camp is intensive and discipline-specific. Students receive approximately five hours of daily training in their chosen major, which includes a combination of large ensemble rehearsals, small group sectionals or technique classes, and, for some majors like piano and harp, daily private lessons. Placement is based on pre-submitted audition videos or evaluations, ensuring students are grouped with peers of similar ability to work on challenging, curated repertoire or projects under the guidance of a faculty of professional artists and educators. Learning emphasizes hands-on practice, creativity, and personal expression. In arts majors, students explore diverse media and techniques in dedicated studios; musicians delve into standard and contemporary repertoire; theater students train in voice, movement, and specialized acting styles; and writers engage in workshop-style classes. The environment is supportive yet demanding, aiming for significant artistic progress over the 12-day session, culminating in final performances, exhibitions, or readings that showcase their accomplishments.

This intensive program is designed to provide serious teenage artists with professional-level training, creative challenges, and a transformative immersive experience in their chosen discipline, all within a supportive and inspiring community.