Alaska String Camps, Inc.
P. O. Box 77-0057 Eagle River, AK 99577
Phone: (907)696-CAMP email: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com
Flyers are available in the local schools and most local music stores
The following specific camp information is at the bottom of the page. Click on the colored link to take you directly there.
Directions to camp
Important Camp Dates
Registration Info
What to Bring
Information on 2006 camps will be posted late February or early March 2006
2005 Elementary String Camp July 18-20
2005 Intermediate String Camp July 21-24
2005 High School String Camp July 26-29
The Elementary/Intermediate Orchestra String Camp has been an important part of musical summers in Alaska for fifteen years. The camp was founded by the string teachers who work with Alaska's best young artists, and is dedicated to creating a positive, dynamic atmosphere that encourages growth in musical skills, and provides an exciting and fun local camping experience for string students. The High School Orchestra Camp is in its eighth year. The camp is held at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak, Alaska, a convenient drive from Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley.
ELIGIBILITY
Students graduating from grades 4-6 are eligible for Elementary String Camp. Students graduating from grades 7-8 are eligible for Intermediate String Camp. Students graduating from grades 9-12 are eligible for High School String Camp. Additionally, students should have completed at least one school year of instruction on violin, viola, cello or bass for elementary camp, two years for Intermediate and two years for High School.
ACTIVITIES
Both musical and recreational activities are an important part of the string camp experience. Each day includes two large group rehearsals, as well as small groups of 3 - 10 students. Also included are theory classes providing a creative approach to basics, and fiddle classes. High School Camp offers a variety of elective courses. Recreational activities include hiking, volleyball, boating, social time and staff chamber music. The camp culminates in a concert for friends and family.
TEACHING STAFF
is comprised of local professional teachers. Past teaching staff has included Kathryn Hoffer, Coralyn More, Mari Jamison, Laura Lindemuth, Dawn Wohlgemuth-Lindsay, Karen Grove-Bruce and many others. Don't let your child miss this opportunity to learn from such talented teachers. Join these local professional teachers and other students for several days of fun, learning and performance.
APPLICATION
Students should send their application post-marked by April 30, 2005 with the deposit to insure that space is available. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Late applications are accepted if space is available. Application forms are linked below. You can try to print them out or call or email us and we will send them to you.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Limited scholarship funds, reserved for students needing financial assistance, may be available. If scholarship funding would enable your child to attend, please call 696-CAMP for an application. Scholarship applications should be postmarked by May 30, 2005 to insure consideration.
FEE
The fee is $210.00 (Elementary) and $270.00 (Intermediate and High School) with 2 payments due: April 29 - 1/2 camp fee with application, and May 27 - balance due. This all-inclusive fee provides instruction, recreation, room, board and camp T-shirt. Checks should be made payable to Alaska String Camps, Inc. and mailed to: Alaska String Camps, Inc. P. O. Box 77-0057, Eagle River, AK 99577
QUESTIONS?
Call 696-2267. Parents . . . take a free mini-vacation and come to camp! Volunteer opportunities exist for parents who would like to help. Located on a private lake, there are great recreational opportunities for our volunteers. We have day time positions for a few hours as well as overnight counselor positions available and need both men and women volunteers.
STUDENT TEACHING AND COUNSELING POSITIONS
Each year we have a few student teaching assistant and student chaperone assistant positions available. If you are interested in more information and/or an application call 696-CAMP or email: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com
Partial funding for the string camps is provided through a grant from The Municipality of Anchorage Arts Advisory Commission.
Email: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com for questions or to request an application be mailed to you.
Link to: Elementary Camp application form
Link to: Intermediate Camp application form
Link to: High School Camp application form
Link to: Full Camper Packages
General Information included in camp package follows:
Registration is from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. on the first day of each camp at the main lodge. Should you have any questions, please call Amanda Ramsey at 696-CAMP. Please leave a message if no one is able to take your call and we will return your call as soon as possible. You may also email if you find phone tag tiresome: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com
1. Camp forms. PLEASE send in your forms prior to camp. We cannot guarantee to accommodate dietary and medical conditions if they are not disclosed when the last payment is due in May. If you did not send in your forms, bring them with you to registration. Additional forms will be available at camp if you have misplaced yours. These must be signed by a parent or guardian. No camper can participate without these forms properly filled out and signed.
2. Yourself and your parent/guardian. Parents must accompany their children or have designated adults with their children through registration. Please DO NOT drop your child off. The camp's daily schedule will be posted at registration.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:
1. Linens - bedding (a sleeping bag or sheets and plenty of blankets), pillow, towel, swimming towel, wash cloth.
2. Clothing - sports clothes for warm and cool weather, two pairs of comfortable shoes (in case one gets wet), thongs or rubber shoes for showering, swimsuit, rain gear, dark pants or skirt for concert. Camp T-shirts will be worn at the family concert. We highly recommend an inexpensive poncho for rain gear. Instruments, even large cellos, can fit underneath when transporting to and from rehearsal. We usually have some rain during camp.
3. Instrument - make sure you have your bow!, rosin, an extra set of strings, if possible, cleaning cloth, folding music stand with your name and home telephone number on it (masking tape or duct tape works great). Cellos need an endpin anchor or strap. Each Camper needs their own music stand. A stand bag (carrying case) is very handy. PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR INSTRUMENT CASE - many other cases may look exactly like yours! Also bring a small pencil with eraser.
4. Miscellaneous - flashlight, drinking cup, insect repellent (for those horrid huge mosquitoes that lurk in the trees), toilet articles (BOYS - this means SOAP and deodorant), dirty clothes bag (a plastic garbage bag or pillow case works fine), a good book and/or quiet activity to do alone during quiet time, a book of short stories to share at bedtime.
5. Snacks - nutritious snacks are okay. Granola bars, trail mix, tic tacs, etc. are fine. Campers are fed three family style meals plus a snack each day. PLEASE LEAVE CANDY AT HOME. A check will be made at sign in time for candy. All counselors are instructed to confiscate candy when found. NO FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED IN CABINS.
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP:
Things not to bring include: radios, knives, electronic games, electric hair curlers, pop, silly string. The camp is not responsible for theft; expensive items are best left at home.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A nurse is on duty 24 hours a day at the camp. If you should need to call the camp for an emergency, the main lodge phone number is: 688-9129. For night time emergencies only, the camp manager's number is 688-2734.
NO SPENDING MONEY PLEASE - THERE WILL BE NO NEED SO PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOSS.
FROM ANCHORAGE:
Take Glenn Highway past Eagle River and exit on South Birchwood Loop. Turn left onto South Birchwood Loop, go under bridge, past Chugiak High School approximately 1 mile. Turn left (first left after high school) at sign for Beach Lake (and Birchwood Camp). Follow signs into camp.
FROM PALMER/WASILLA:
Follow Glenn Highway past Eklutna and Peter's Creek and exit on South Birchwood Loop. Turn right on South Birchwood Loop and go past Chugiak High School about 1 mile to Beach Lake turnoff (on your left). Follow signs to camp.
CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. last day of each camp. Family and friends are invited. This will be a brief demonstration of the campers' musical achievements. After the concert, the campers say their good-byes, check out of their cabins, and depart from camp.
May 27 final payment due and camp forms due
June 10 last day for camp forms for express registration, roommate requests & extra T-shirt orders
July 18 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for Elementary camp
July 20 7:30 p.m. Elementary camp family concert
July 21 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for Intermediate camp
July 24 7:30 p.m. Intermediate camp family concert
July 26 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for High School camp
July 29 7:30 p.m. High School camp family concert
The Alaska String Camps, Inc. web page is provided and updated as a courtesy by Mike's Music. Any questions concerning the webpage itself should be directed to mmusic@mmusiconline.com.
Link to Mike's Music Alaska Home page
updated 3/11/05