Making Music at Camp Jam
17-year-old Caroline Joyce is an enthusiastic ambassador for Camp Jam, a summer program that bills itself as “the ultimate rock ‘n roll music camp.” Of its six nationwide locations, the Commerce, Texas, site holds precious memories for Caroline, who has attended since she was 14, and will attend one last time as a camper this summer.
The Joyces stumbled upon Camp Jam online during a search for summer music programs. Musicians ages 11 to 17 attend. For instrumentalists, only six months of previous musical “experience” (e.g., formal lessons, self-directed practice) is required; vocalists need not have any previous experience. Caroline, a skilled guitarist, pianist, and singer, found herself immersed in a diverse group of musicians, from novices to experts. “I recommend this camp to any kids who have even a slight interest in music because the camp welcomes all levels of experience,” she said.
The Camp Jam experience is a weeklong intensive: bands form, tracks are recorded in-studio, music videos are filmed, and everything culminates in a live concert, open to friends and family. It is not uncommon for campers to stay for multiple weeklong sessions, extending the fun. Experienced musicians teach the campers everything from musical craft to the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.
Caroline values it all. “Besides the amazing education I have received on the business side of this world, I get a chance to perform and do what I love [at Camp Jam],” she said. “There is no other feeling like getting to show others what you can do and how well you can do it. I also love this camp because of all of the friends I have made. Two of my best friends attend this camp as well, and they live hours away from me. All of the connections I have made over the years have helped me to grow as an artist and as an individual.”
2019 will be the last year Caroline is eligible to attend as a camper, but she intends to stay involved in the community for years to come: she hopes to be a counselor-in-training in 2020 and become a full-fledged counselor after that.
Formal commitment aside, Caroline will be linked to the camp experience forever, having forged friendships and connections that thrive even when camp isn’t in session. “Camp Jam will give you memories and friends that you will cherish long after you’ve aged out,” she said. “This camp has truly changed my life and helped me to grow in more ways than I can count. I have been blessed to be able to attend Camp Jam.”
For more information on the Camp Jam experience, visit campjam.com.
