Why I (Still) Go to Bluegrass Camp

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I pulled my car up to the cabin at Camp Harrison, site of Pete Wernick’s pre-Merlefest Jam Camp.  It was in April 2014, and since that time, the “Boomer Camp” has become a regular fixture of my year.

I have added one other major camp to my current schedule–I also really enjoy Leigh and Gilbert Nelson’s Abingdon, VA camp that takes place before the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival.  Both of these camps are about 4 days long, the campers eat and sleep on-site, and both have become my favorite ways to spend my vacation time.

I also attend a few other one-day or weekend camps throughout the year, and I’m always on the lookout for new options.  When I reflect on why I still enjoy going to camp, a number of things come to mind…

  • It’s fun and restorative to go off and spend multiple days immersing yourself in making music with other people.  You can’t worry about things back at the office when you’re trying to lead a song in a jam group.
  • There is always something new to learn!
  • You will meet some really great people, and you can form some great friendships at camp.  Those friendships will keep you coming back–so that you can spend more time with your camp friends.
  • You will see improvement in your skills because you are spending so much time playing your instrument and practicing jam skills.
  • You’ll push yourself to do something new (and scary), like playing a break or singing a solo at a major music festival.
  • While costs can vary, camps are usually very affordable.  Sure, you may be sleeping on a bunk bed in a cabin with some other people, but who needs fancy hotel rooms when you can be staying up late to jam or just talk with your new camp friends?
  • The teachers at the camps I attend are all top notch, and they often come back to teach each year.  I look forward to seeing them each year, and knowing that they’ll remember me from the previous year motivates me to keep practicing!
  • You will meet and have an opportunity to meet and play with musicians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, including past, present and future stars of the bluegrass world.
  • You can go to a camp by yourself without knowing anyone there.  Don’t worry, you’ll make friends.

You can travel all over the country (as well as to other countries) to attend music camps, and all the while you’ll be connecting with people, learning new songs, and pushing yourself to improve your musical skills.  If you haven’t taken the plunge into the world of music camps, give it a try!