Current Blue Lake Campers
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp students may apply for the International Exchange
Program during their time at camp. There is no obligation to participate when
applying. More than 2,500 campers apply each season for approximately
200 student positions. Invitations are offered based on a student’s personal
interview at camp, their written application, counselor and faculty evaluations,
as well as their audition ranking from the summer camp ensemble. Only those
interested in the International Youth Symphony Orchestra must perform an
additional audition.
Other Applicants
Limited positions are available for those who are not affiliated as Blue Lake
campers. Openings are based on instrumentation needs. The acceptance
process includes an application, interview, recommendation letters, and
an audition. For more information on openings, contact the Blue Lake
International office.
Acceptance
Artistic ability, maturity, manners, and character play an important role in a
student’s acceptance. Members of the International Program not only perform
at a high level of artistic proficiency, but also serve as goodwill ambassadors
for Blue Lake, the United States, and their own communities and families.
Students enrolled in the International Exchange Program are expected to
demonstrate a high standard of maturity and discipline, as well as an eagerness
to travel to new countries, regions, and cultures.
The Enrollment Process
Enrollment in the International Exchange Program is by invitation only. An invitation,
contract, and supplemental materials are sent from the administration office once
a student has been accepted. Invitations include detailed information regarding
tuition, dates, payments, and refunds, as well as an extensive explanation of the
International Program’s behavioral expectations for the student. Families are given
two to three weeks to read the materials, discuss the opportunity, and call with
questions before the contract is due. The signed contract materials, along with a
deposit, must be received by the International office in order to ensure enrollment.
Tuition
Tuition for the International Program consists of a
non-refundable deposit plus monthly payments
through June 1st of the of the year in which the
student travels. Some limited scholarships are
available for key artistic positions, as well as for
those who enroll early. An additional discount is
available if tuition is paid in full at the time of
enrollment. Tuition includes: Lodging, meals,
and supervision while at camp, artistic instruction
and group preparation, travel expenses (bus and air
fair), as well as limited fees for some group activities
while traveling. Families are responsible for travel to
and from Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for rehearsal
and homecoming commitments, required uniform
items, personal passport fees, and spending money.
Fundraising
Many students who travel with the Blue Lake International Exchange Program
have substantial portions of their tuition covered by their own fundraising efforts.
Family, friends, local businesses, school booster organizations, and service
organizations understand the value of such an exchange program for students
and are often willing to help if asked. Students who choose to write personal
letters to these people are encouraged to submit contact information to the
Blue Lake International Office. The International Office will send a letter on the
student’s behalf to reaffirm the student’s participation and to stress the value
of our International Exchange Program. In recent years, students have become
very creative in grass roots style fundraising. Beyond the typical bake sale and
pop can drive, students have utilized social media, performed in fundraising
play-a-thons, recitals, craft sales, and partnerships with local restaurants for
sales proceeds. Creativity is the key!
