Hello all,
My son just received notification that he was accepted into Interlochen Art Camps–Filmmaking Program. Does anyone in this community have any experience with that program or Interlochen’s summer camps in general? I know they’re especially known for their orchestral and musical theater programs, but I wasn’t sure about the other programs. Any insight most gratefully appreciated. Thank you.
Sorry–I just realized I should probably have posed this question on the Prep School Parent forum and not here. I don’t know how to move and don’t want to muddy the works by double-posting… so apologies for my clumsiness.
I just know Interlochen is excellent, and beautiful! And a unique experience if you have never been to Northern Michigan. Be sure to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!
Thank you, Sunnyschool.
My daughter went to Interlochen’s summer camp for creative writing when she was in middle school, about 4+ years ago. She enjoyed the experience and spending her days and nights with fellow artsy people. There was a lot of support across the arts - dancers would go to her readings, she would go to music performances, etc. All these years later, dd still keeps in touch over social media with a few of the kids. She has also visited one internationally and another who lives halfway across the country - and all from just 3 weeks of camp! She only went the one summer, as it was a little too rustic for my kid, particularly when the tornado alarm sounded and when there was an issue with bats in a few bunks.At the time, there was a yahoo group for kids and parents who were planning to attend. Also, we got some uniform items from ebay.
Our experience was a long time ago, in a different division, and a different art, but feel free to PM me!
Mine took middle school drawing camp Summer 2015 as a rising 8th grader. She had many advanced art classes already, but the program still introduced her glimps of many different area. Also, being surrounded by serious artist peers was a great experience, although she ruled out art schools after because she realized that she didn’t want to do only art during her high school years.
Thanks very much, Carpoolingma and SculptorDad. Really appreciate your insights. Love the stories of long-lasting friendships formed and the cross-disciplinary goodwill. Funny about the bats! Nice, too, to know that even students who have had exposure to advanced arts classes still found something new. I had wondered in my own’s son’s case… if at the intermediate level, the film-making might cover largely introductory terrain.
My kids have had experience of Johns Hopkins CTY camps–where the silly/quirky games and social activities organized after the day’s classes were a big part of the fun and appeal. I wondered if Interlochen offered anything similar, e.g., is the socializing stuff structured and thoughtful or is just your typical ping pong and swimming and that sort of thing?