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Frequently Asked Questions

2024 Sessions

For Suzuki Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano

Session 1:
June 16 – 19

Session 2:
June 20 – 23

General Information

How do I register for Suzuki Family Camp?

New families

Use the blue “APPLY” button at the bottom left to begin the registration process.  First make an account for yourself, then add all attending family members whether or not they will be participating in lessons.  Once all your family members are in the system you can begin to register for lessons and make meal and/or housing reservations.  You do not need to stay on the camp or register for the meal plans, but if you want either you do need to make a separate reservation.

 

Returning families

Use the blue “MY ACCOUNT” button at the bottom left to begin the registration process.  Remember to update the pages for your child’s repertoire and to update any housing preferences.

Where is Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp?
Blue Lake is located four hours north of Chicago, one hour northwest of Grand Rapids, and 15 minutes north of Muskegon. The campus is approximately 10 miles from Lake Michigan. There is an airport in Muskegon (25 minutes away) and Grand Rapids (60 minutes away).
When does camp begin and end?

Check-In is from 8:30 – 11:00 AM on the first day of each session. Family orientation follows at 11:00 AM in Stewart Shell, and classes begin at 1:00 PM. Classes end at noon on the final day. Piano recitals end by 2:30 PM and String concerts end by 4:00 PM on the final day of the session. Teacher training, classes begin at 3:00 pm.

Is there Wi-Fi?
Blue Lake does not provide public Wi-Fi. Those needing internet access while in residence should plan to use their cell phone as a hot spot. This is a great opportunity to disconnect!
What attractions are nearby?
  • Lake Michigan beaches, White Lake, Big Blue Lake, and the White River.
  • Parks: Meinert Park, Duck Lake State Park, Muskegon State Park, Pioneer County Park, Hoffmaster State Park.
  • Michigan’s Adventure: Michigan’s largest amusement and water park.
  • The White Lake Area: Restaurants, beaches, golf, White Lake Theater, shopping. www.whitelake.org/.
  • Muskegon Area: Farmer’s Market, Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, Restaurants, shopping, Art Museum, Beaches. http://visitmuskegon.org/.

Arrival and Departure

I already know my housing assignment. Can I go there as soon as arrive?
No. You will be required to first complete the health screening process. Once you are cleared, you will receive your check-in packet and then may move into your housing area.
Is there a checkout time? When should I be out of the cabin?
Cabin check-out time is 11am. Many families will pack up early on the last day and leave immediately after the final performance. If you are in a cabin, plan to vacate by 11am.
Where is Check-In on the first day?
Upon arrival, cars will be directed to the central parking lot, across from Marek Hall North. Blue Lake’s health staff will greet you at your car and complete the health screening with family members. Once cleared, you may proceed to Check-In across the street at the Student Arts Center. All families are expected to attend the session’s orientation at 11am at Stewart Shell in Central Park.
Can we arrive the day before or stay the night after our session?
No. We do not have staff on hand to facilitate an early check in. There is another session immediately following and we cannot accommodate an extra night’s stay.

Housing

What are the housing options?
  • CABINS: Cabins and facilities are rustic. Cabins have cot-sized beds and bunks and simple shelving. The cot-sized beds are slightly narrower than a standard twin size. Cribs are not available. Cabins have electricity but do not have heat or air conditioning. Campers provide their own linens and pillows. We have single-family cabins with bathrooms and single-family cabins with shared bathroom facilities.
  • CAMPSITES: Blue Lake offers 22 campsites with a 20 amp, 120-volt receptacle and a picnic table. There are three different areas of sites within the campus. Visit Housing and Meals for specific site information. Additional, non-designated sites for tents in the forest are also available. For these rustic sites, there is no electric hook-up or picnic table. Shared bathrooms are nearby.
  • Campfire rings and laundry facilities are available throughout the camp.
Do we need to stay on the camp?

While families are not required to stay on campus, we strongly recommend it as a way to embrace the full camp experience. For more information on local accommodations in the White Lake area, visit http://www.whitelake.org/. For Muskegon accommodations, visit http://visitmuskegon.org/.

Can we be housed near friends?
We attempt to honor housing requests that are submitted early. However, there are no guarantees.
Can I bring my pet?

No pets are allowed on campus. 

How early should I register to ensure a Single-Family Cabin with Bathroom?

Enrollment and housing requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The cabins with bathrooms are limited and in high demand. They typically fill by mid-February.

Meals

What are meals like? Can you accommodate those with special diets?
The Suzuki Family Camp provides daily meals in Marek Hall North. Meal times and a menu will be provided upon arrival. Families dine together in a typical school cafeteria setting, and are responsible for taking care of their trays following their meal and helping to keep the community dining space tidy. Blue Lake accommodates a wide variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. While we work to greatly limit some common allergens, such as peanuts and tree nuts, there is not a separate allergen-free menu or food preparation area in our kitchen. In addition to our daily menu options (which include a vegetarian option at each meal), Blue Lake provides limited gluten-free and dairy-free options as a menu supplement for participants with those dietary needs. If your child is not able to consume menu items due to a significant health restriction such as a life-threatening allergy or a serious gastrointestinal disease, you may supplement our menu with personal food or beverage. However, some limitations apply. Call for further details and menu information prior to enrolling.
Do we need to purchase the camp meals?
No. The meal plans are not mandatory. You may dine off camp or bring your own food in a cooler. Portable grills are allowed. Blue Lake’s existing campfire rings must be used for any fires.
Can individual meals be purchased?

No. You must purchase a meal plan for each family member in order to dine at Marek Hall North. Those participating in the meal plan option will be provided with a wrist band or meal card upon arrival.

Are snacks available?

Limited grab and go snacks (fruit, supplies to make PB&J sandwiches, etc.) will be available daily in Marek Hall for those who are participating in the meal plan option. The Happy Camper, Blue Lake’s camp store located in Central Park, offers a wide assortment of snacks, ice cream, and refreshments as well as souvenirs, gifts, uniform items, and basic camp supplies.

Instruction and Performances

What is the daily schedule?

Each student has 3 or 4 classes daily. Parents attend lessons with their children. Drop-in Eclectic Styles and Dalcroze movement classes are offered at no additional cost. There are optional student recitals and parent discussion panels on most afternoons. There is an activity or performance each evening at 7:00.

What else is there to do?
A highlight of the Suzuki Family Camp is the Art Barn, where different art projects can be created morning and afternoon. There are pools, recreational fields, a large basketball court, gaga ball pits, volleyball nets, and picnic/campfire areas throughout the campus. Swimming, soccer games, and parent led activities round-out most days. Fishing from the shore of Little Blue Lake is allowed. Parents may register for piano lessons or attend a parent orchestra session.
Can my child study two instruments while at camp?
The best option for students who currently study two different instruments is to register for two sessions.
Can we request a particular instructor? Can my child be in the same class as a friend?
Camp scheduling is an intensive process. Honoring requests would significantly complicate the scheduling. We make certain that students do not study with their home teachers while at Suzuki camp.
Could you tell me more about the performance opportunities for my child?
All students perform on the last day of camp. Piano students perform in solo recitals, string students in group concerts. Piano Chamber Music students perform on an afternoon recital the third day of camp, and String Chamber Music students perform on the last day of camp. There are afternoon solo recitals on the second and third days of each session for students who would like an extra performance opportunity. Students must have the permission of their home teachers to participate in the afternoon recitals. Recital information is sent in the spring.
Do students need to dress a particular way for performances?

We are very informal at Suzuki Family Camp.  Some families bring nicer outfits for performances, others remain in casual clothing.   Feel free to do what is in your comfort zone.  It is not safe to wear high heels on the sandy campus and it is challenging to keep young children clean in our outdoor environment.

My child does not currently study the Suzuki method but I have heard so many great things about your camp, can we participate without the Suzuki background?

We typically discourage non-Suzuki students from attending our camp.  Without the background of well-memorized repertoire, non-Suzuki students can feel out of place among students who have the repertoire solidly memorized.

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