Camp Jam

FAQ

CAMP JAM (AGES 11 - 17)

What is the daily schedule?

Camp Jam hours are from 9 to 4:30. A typical day at Camp Jam begins with instrument-specific instruction focused on being a band member, ensemble practice, and recording class. After lunch, a master class is held featuring a guest appearance by a noted professional from the music industry. Afternoon sessions include band practice, on-stage rehearsal, and performance techniques. A more thorough description of the Camp Jam experience is available on the Curriculum Page.

Which rock star master class will my child get to see?

Camp Jam master class schedules are developed throughout the year. We cannot definitively say which celebrity master class will be scheduled at each camp or on a certain date due to ever-changing tour schedules and conflicts. We do have an artist from a major band at every session.

Do you have before and after camp care?

Drop off is available as early as 8:30 am at no extra charge. After camp care until 5:30 pm is available for $5 per day or $20 per week if paid in advance. If after care is not paid online PRIOR to the Monday camp begins, a charge of $40 will be applied.

Who makes up the staff?

The founder of Camp Jam is Atlanta's own Jeff Carlisi, former lead guitarist and songwriter of platinum recording artist .38 Special. Steve Freeman heads the team as Director of Staff and Curriculum. Together they hand pick the staff in all of our cities to provide the best and most complete experience for all of our participants. The staff is comprised of local musicians and music teachers in each Camp Jam city, and details about the local director and staff are available at each Camp Jam Location page.

What is the Faculty to Student ratio?

The ratio of faculty to students will always stay at or below 6:1

Is the faculty screened?

Yes, all teachers, counselors, assistants, and camp staff are required to complete a full disclosure application and all are fully investigated and background checked before they are invited to be part of the Camp Jam team.

Where are the camp facilities?

Please visit our Locations section, which details the facility and provides a map to each Camp Jam location.

Does my child have to be proficient on his or her instrument?

No, Camp Jam has programs for all levels of ability from beginners through advanced players. But for maximum camp enjoyment and for band placement, we ask that all students have at least 6 months experience on their primary instrument prior to attending camp. At the very minimum, young musicians should have basic instrument knowledge.

What if my child has never played in a band?

That's what it's all about! Camp Jam provides the instruction and environment necessary to ensure every camper gets the ultimate rock and roll band experience. Musicians of all ages and abilities are grouped in bands accordingly, and everyone gets to experience maximum levels of rock.

Who will be in my child's band?

All campers are grouped according to ability unless they come with friends or are in their own band. If they want to be in a band with a friend or current band member, they must notify the Camp Jam staff during the audition process on Monday.

Does my child need to provide his/her own instrument?

Guitarists and bassists are expected to bring their own instruments. Drummers will be provided with practice drums for drum instruction sessions and drum kits will be provided for band practice and performances. Keyboardists are encouraged to bring their own electronic keyboards, but practice keyboards will be provided. Vocalists only need to bring themselves.

How are songs selected?

Part of the band process is learning to compromise as a team and try new genres! Camp Jam pre-selects a song list comprised of numerous rock and roll genres from which each band must collectively choose a song to play in the concert.

How can we get a copy of the Friday night band performance?

Please check with your local Camp Jam Administrator at the start of camp regarding any concert DVDs for sale. All concert tapings are provided by a third party. Camp Jam does not take orders for those sales.

What does the registration fee include?

The registration fee is covers the total cost of camp and includes all instruction, electives, master classes, recreation, and supplies. For an additional fee, DVDs, tee shirts, and an after-camp program are available.

What are the safety precautions?

Camp Jam is dedicated to providing a safe, creative, supportive, and fun environment for all who attend. There is a staff member on campus at all times that is CPR certified. Camp Jam strictly enforces a drug-free atmosphere and lifestyle. Campers are expected to follow the camp's prescribed rules of conduct. Camp Jam has a zero tolerance policy; any camper who violates the rules will be dismissed immediately and will not be allowed any type of refund. Camp Jam is fully accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

What is Camp Jam's policy on discipline?

Camp Jam has a zero tolerance policy. All campers are provided with the camp's rules of conduct and the parent or guardian must sign the document prior to the camper participating in any camp activities. Campers are expected to adhere to the rules. Any camper who does not adhere to the rules will be required to leave and will not be allowed any type of refund.

How will my child be grouped with other campers?

Camp Jam staff members will group campers into bands according to age, ability, and instrument. If any group is short of the necessary members for a band (i.e. if in the beginner age group there are no bass players) a counselor will fill in to complete the band.

What if my child is already a member of a band?

Great! We encourage participation by the entire group, so band members can enjoy the experience together. If not all members are able to attend, other campers or Camp Jam counselors will fill in for non-attending band members.

In the event of an emergency, who do we contact?

Prior to camp, all parents and campers will be provided with on-location contact numbers for our local Administrator and Director.

Does my child have to bring his or her own lunch?

Students are required to bring their own lunches to Camp Jam.

Is my child too old / young?

Camp Jam provides two camp experiences in order to best serve each age. Our Camp Jam KIDZ is for 7-10 year olds and is run separately from our camp for older kids. Camp Jam is for 11-17 year olds. Bands are grouped according to ability level and age; therefore, your child will fit right in to his or her band!

I am interested in working for one of the Camp Jam locations. How do I find out about openings?

Please check our Employment Page for any current Camp Jam openings and application information. Counselors must be enrolled in college.

OVERNIGHT CAMP PROGRAM (Chicago only in '08) FAQs

What are the ages for the overnight camp?

Camp Jam Overnight is for campers from 11-17 years old.

When is drop off/pick up for the overnight camp?

Drop off is on Sunday afternoon by 4 pm. Pick up is at the conclusion of the Friday night concert, approximately 8 pm.

What are the advantages of participating in the overnight program versus the day program?

The Camp Jam Overnight experience is primarily for more advanced players that want more playing time and instruction in a band setting. It will feature an extra master class during the evening, and campers will receive more thorough instruction focused on recording and songwriting. They'll also learn more about the business side of being in a band: marketing, music on the web, making a music video, etc. Nights are filled with open jams and open mics, counselor concert, master classes, rock-themed films, and recreation.

What is the staff/camper ratio during the evening hours?

Night staff is 8 to 1 (4 rooms for every staffer, 2 campers to a room). Girls and boys are in separate dorms, lights out at 10:30 pm.

What type of meal plan is available?

Meals are included in the camp fee and provided by the school. Meals begin at dinner Sunday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided Monday through Friday.

When is the concert for the overnight camp?

The concert begins at approximately 6 pm on Friday night, and all parents, siblings and friends are encouraged to attend. Pick up is immediately following the concert.

Will the night staff be the same as the day staff?

Yes, with some additions depending on the female/male counselor to camper ratio.