<p>My D (currently in 7th grade) is a budding writer and is interested in trying out the Interlochen Creative Writing program this summer. I know enough from the music world that my S is a part of to know that Interlochen can be an intense experience, and not always the best choice for even a mature junior high school student. I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience (either as a parent or a student) with the Interlochen intermediate summer program? Any advice or info that would be useful for us to know? I appreciate it.</p>
<p>You probably already know this, but Interlochen is the most beautiful camp imaginable. I grew up not far from it (and have attended a few faculty concerts over the years). Although none of my kids were artistically talented enough to consider paying the fees for their programs, I think the environment must foster fabulous creativity.</p>
<p>Also… many years ago one of my high school classmates left our public high school for his junior year and went there on a scholarship (to the year around high school). He was a French horn player, and NOT very talented at all in my opinion (I played a different instrument, and was very involved in many musical groups, first chair in my section and community wide honors bands, etc. – so it is not sour grapes, just a fact). He did graduate from there and went on to a musical career in the Army. I assume they needed French horn players. But still…it opened my eyes to the fact that not everyone there is a tippy-top talent, at least when they get there</p>
<p>Maybe others have something to say about the specifics of the program and your daughter’s age group, but I say if you can afford it, go for it!</p>