Enhancing the Summer Camp Experience Through Music

Unleashing the Power of Music: Enhancing the Summer Camp Experience

As summer approaches, camps nationwide are gearing up for another season filled with adventure, connection, and personal growth. One powerful tool that can significantly enrich the camp experience is music. At Percussion Play, we believe that integrating outdoor musical instruments into summer camps can foster creativity, enhance teamwork, and promote emotional healing among campers of all ages.

Join Us at the ACA Annual Conference

We’re excited to share our passion for music and outdoor instruments at the upcoming ACA Annual Conference, which will be held February 19-20 in Dallas! Visit us at Booths #1014 and #1015 to learn more about our brand new bug-inspired collection and other innovative instruments that encourage teamwork and creativity.

The Impact of Music at Camp Courageous

To illustrate the transformative power of music, we invite you to listen to our podcast episode, "Insight | Return to Camp Courageous Four Years On." In this episode, Sonya Belew, Camp Courageous's COO and HR Director, shares insights into how outdoor musical instruments have made a positive difference since their installation in 2021.

Camp Courageous has embraced outdoor music-making and continues to enjoy the benefits of the various outdoor instruments they have installed. These instruments are used for both structured music programs and spontaneous, free play. Serving nearly ten thousand campers each year in Iowa, the camp is a non-profit organization that offers recreational, respite, and travel programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities. For nearly 50 years, the team at Camp Courageous has sought unique ways to engage all their campers, who have diverse educational and physical needs.

In 2021, they opened the Music Park, which features twelve instruments from Percussion Play. These instruments include the Stepping Stones, Bell Lyre, Diatonic Tembos, Babel Drums, Tubular Bells, and Cavatina. The instruments are integrated into the camp’s programs to explore sound, rhythm, and melody.

The Music Park is designed for both group activities and individual play, encouraging campers to express their creativity. It often serves as a space for 'transition time,' allowing campers to take a break between activities. Counselors also participate in the music-making, helping campers navigate the instruments. Additionally, the local community benefits from the Music Park, often bringing their own instruments to play alongside the campers.

Sonya reflected on the instruments' quality and usage, noting that they still look brand new, “We do cover them in the winter, but we have been really happy with the quality and durability of the instruments. The colors are still as vibrant as when we bought them, and even though they are being used intensively all year round, they still look very attractive and sound perfect.” Sonya continues, “Music making has a profound impact on campers, fostering creativity and enhancing important life skills.  Music improves emotional expression, coordination, concentration, and a shared experience that brings people together.”

Creating a Vibrant Camp Environment

Incorporating music into the camp experience can lead to emotional healing and a stronger sense of community. Campers bond over shared musical experiences, creating lasting connections that enhance their overall enjoyment of camp life.

As you prepare for your summer camp program, consider the profound impact that music can have on your campers. Whether through fun outdoor musical instruments or organized music therapy sessions, fostering a vibrant, music-filled environment can truly make a difference in children's lives. View or Download our Outdoor Musical Instruments For Camps catalog.

Together, let’s unlock the power of music this summer and create unforgettable experiences for all campers. We can’t wait to see you at the conference and share the joy of music in the great outdoors!