Every June, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center is transformed for five days into a spirit-filled experience of music and worship by the Texas Conference Choir Clinic. It is during this camp that musicians of all ages and denominations come together to celebrate God through the worship arts.
What is Choir Camp?
Associated with the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Texas Conference Choir Clinic prides itself in providing a first-class experience that focuses on all aspects of Christ-centered music and the worship arts. There are age-appropriate camps for campers from age 5 through adult. Whether your interests are in choral music or handbells, drama, movement, altar design, organ, piano, guitar, voice, art, worship planning, or just relaxing, everyone, regardless of age, can find something at Choir Camp.
But What If I’m Not a United Methodist?
We welcome everyone. We accept all creeds from any and all walks of life. Our belief is that everyone is accepted at Choir Camp.
What Are the Different Camp Levels?
- Kids’ Kamp: Our youngest campers, these are children who will be entering Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade in the fall, generally ages 5-7.
- Elementary Camp: This group of campers starts with children who will be entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade. The age range is roughly from 8 to 10.
- Middle School Camp: As the name suggests, these are campers old enough to attend middle or intermediate school, entering grades 6 through 8 or ages 11 through 13.
- High School Camp: These are the oldest of the youth campers—those entering 9th grade in the upcoming school year to those who have just graduated. Ages usually range from 14 to 17 or 18. Seniors who have just graduated have the option to remain with the High School Camp that year or to join the Adult Camp.
- Adult Camp: From age 18 on up, from college age to seniors, this is our largest group of campers. That we have adult campers who have been coming since they were in Kids’ Kamp and Elementary Camp is a testimony to the lasting impact Choir Camp can have.
If you have questions about which camp your child (or children) should be in, please email our registrar, Catherine Bost, at registrar2@texaschoircamp.org
Texas Choir Camp begins with check-in on Monday morning from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. in Copeland Center. There campers will receive schedules, Festival music packets, t-shirts, camp/room assignments, and keys (for First Class Housing only). Following lunch in Sparling Cafeteria, there is an Opening Celebration and general orientation session to familiarize campers with Choir Camp, the Camp Dean, Camp Board members, and Lakeview rules and personnel. Rehearsals begin Monday afternoon.
The schedules for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday include morning worship service, rehearsals (both choral and handbells), choral reading sessions, swim time, and a variety of classes that typically include singing in sign, movement, crafts, organ, orchestra, and handbells (all experience levels). Class offerings change and are publicized each year as they are finalized.
Each evening features special activities or events such as concerts, special entertainment, and parties. Last year we introduced Silent Disco and a movie singalong that were a hit across all age groups.
After the evening event, children and youth campers have nightly devotions in their own camp prior to bedtime. Adults may choose to enjoy freshly dipped ice cream in the Central Building Coffee Shop and “top it” by visiting with fellow campers.
One of the highlights of camp is the Wednesday evening Variety Show. Campers from each age-level camp can audition to be selected for this one-of-a-kind program. They showcase a range of talents that amaze and entertain.
On Thursday evening the camp comes together for worship and to celebrate Holy Communion. The United Methodist Church practices open communion: all who earnestly repent of their sins and seek to live in peace with one another are invited to God’s table.
Friday morning brings all the campers and visitors to Copeland Center for the Festival Concert that begins at 10:00 A.M. Family members and friends are invited and are encouraged to travel to Lakeview for this closing event. Each of the age-level vocal choirs, along with handbell choirs, movement class, and others, offer performances of music and skills they have learned during the week. The concert closes with the Dean’s Anthem that has all participants joining together in an anthem directed by the Choir Clinic Dean. After the concert, youth campers are released by a checkout process to their parents or supervising adult. Everyone is usually homebound by 12:30-1:00 PM.
Where is Choir Camp?
Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas, Choir Camp makes its home at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center located near Palestine, Texas. Lakeview provides a wide variety of services including cafeteria food service, a swimming pool, prayer and hiking trails, fishing lakes, and a challenge course featuring high and low ropes. Families are encouraged to experience our camp together. It is a great way to introduce smaller children to the camping experience in a safe Christian environment.
What happens in the Adult Camp?
During the week, a clinician of outstanding ability and reputation works with the adult choir during the twice-a-day rehearsals. Classes related to music, worship, organ, visuals in the worship space, movement, and drama are offered throughout the week along with reading sessions of choral music for age-level choirs and anthems for general and seasonal use in the local church. For those who enjoy crafts, this year we will have classes in quilling and rock painting. Adults also have the privilege of attending any of the age-level camp classes and activities. If so desired, adults are free to relax and simply enjoy being away from their usual responsibilities.
Adult Camp joins with other age-level campers for worship each morning, the Variety Show, the communion service, and the closing Festival Concert. A reception with the clinicians, and a time of fellowship and ice cream are also open to adult campers.
What is Choir Camp like for Children and Youth?
One thing that makes Choir Camp unique is our fully-graded camp program that provides outstanding camp experiences for families to treasure together.
Designed for students who will be entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, the Elementary Camp choral experience offers young singers the ability to work under the tutelage of an experienced and highly qualified children’s choir director. Children in the Elementary Camp not only experience singing in a mass children’s choir, but they also participate in handbells, movement, arts/crafts, swimming, and more. Regardless of the artistic advantages of attending Choir Camp, the kids will generally tell you that some of their most favorite activities at camp included the jump pad, hiking, swimming, visiting the gift shop . . . and who could forget the Snack Shack!
Youth preparing to enter 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the fall will be part of our exceptional Middle School Camp. While enjoying many of the same activities of the Elementary Camp, middle schoolers also participate in a high quality choral ensemble. Learning and playing handbells is always a hit for this group of kids, as well as classes in movement and sign language. They also enjoy the outdoor activities offered at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center such as swimming and visiting “Wet Willie”.
High School Camp is “the place to be” at Choir Camp. This group historically wows the entire camp with their musical offerings at the Festival Concert. A high-energy camp experience encourages these young adults to experience the wonder of God through music in their developing lives. Whether they are taking advantage of regular camping experiences at Lakeview or rehearsing a choral piece, the word for this camp is “fun”! The fellowship and friendships that develop in the High School camp are always fantastic and quite evident. Those in the High School Advanced Handbell Ensemble work with the handbell clinician and participate in the Festival Concert. In addition, there are classes in singing in sign language, handbells, movement, recorder, recreation, crafts, and Bible study. The High School camp will also prepare and present a special contemporary worship experience following the Variety Show on Wednesday night.
The Texas Conference Choir Clinic provides leadership opportunities for those in High School Camp who demonstrate a commitment to the camp and to the worship arts. Three high school students (as nominated by their camp) are included for a one-year term as working and voting members of the TCCC Board of Directors. These students attend all Board meetings and help with the yearly preparation and planning of camp.
What about Handbell Ringers?
Do you find yourself in this list?
>I play in a 5 octave professional handbell ensemble.
>I play in a handbell ensemble in my church that I consider to be advanced
>I play in a handbell ensemble in my church, but I really want to challenge my handbell playing and expand my skills.
>I know something about playing handbells, but I need to get better and learn new techniques.
>I know absolutely nothing about ringing a bell (except, perhaps, the dinner bell).
>What is a handchime and how do I play one?
If you found yourself here, then you will find something for your handbell tastes in our Handbell Camp. We offer two handbell tracks, one for worship and one for concert performances. Choir Camp, you see, is not just about singing, it’s also about RINGING! And lots of it. One of the benefits of our clinic is that it gives ringers the opportunity to participate in experience-leveled handbell ensembles in a group setting. Mass ringing is available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced ringers. While the beginner and intermediate ensembles are open to anyone, those desiring to participate in the advanced group need to be able to learn and play music on a 3 or higher difficulty level. The advanced group will also perform at the Festival Concert and accompany on the Dean’s Anthem.
Handbell Camp is not just about playing music. Do you want to learn how to four-in-hand or Shelley? What about improving your bass bell technique? Ever had a handbell break 5 minutes before a performance and not know how to fix it? These are some of the classes routinely offered and taught by our highly qualified staff of handbell artists. Looking for something new to ring? Part of our handbell experience includes Reading Sessions. Join with other ringers to sight-read the newest handbell compositions, or perhaps something that’s tried and true, or great seasonal classics. Not only will you hear new musical compositions, but you’ll also improve your reading skills and have great fun doing it.
Can my Young Children Come, Too?
Our newest camp began in 2005 in response to the growing need of families who desired to attend and participate in Choir Camp but either did not want to be away from their children for the week or for whom child care costs were prohibitive. We’ve added Kids’ Kamp for children ages five, six and seven, and it has been very positively received! (While parents may bring younger children to camp, infants and children up to age 5 will need to be in the care of a responsible adult. Some parents bring a “sitter” or another family member to be with those younger children)
With the addition of Kids’ Kamp, families with children ages 5, 6, and 7 will be able to participate in their own activities with the assurance of safe and quality care for their children. They begin their age-appropriate activities following worship each morning, eat lunch with their family, and return to Kids’ Kamp for afternoon activities until the evening meal. They spend the night with their responsible adult family member(s) in their lodging area. A highlight of the week is when Kids’ Kamp performs in the Variety Show! Kids’ Kamp has become a very popular option for families, and the activities are of the highest quality. In addition to singing, our youngest campers may learn to play the ukulele or handchimes. Kids’ Kamp gets rave reviews!
What Should I Bring to Camp?
Campers will want to bring:
Pillow and bed linens or sleeping bag*
Towel(s)*, washcloth*
Bathmat*
Mattress pad*
Cool, casual clothing
Comfortable shoes
Swim suit
Flashlight
Kleenex
Toiletries
Alarm clock
Cup or glass (preferably paper or plastic)
Pencil for marking music in rehearsal
Camera (Information about sharing your photos with us will be given at Camp!)
Musical instrument that you play
Costumes/music for variety show auditions
* First-class housing provides linens and a coffee pot
Many campers are more comfortable if they also bring:
Earplugs (if sensitive to others’ snoring)
Fan (cabins and dorm rooms are well air conditioned, but some enjoy additional air)
Blanket (some may not want as much air conditioning as others)
Backpack or tote bag (for camp notebook, music, and class handouts)
Towel-drying rack (helpful for high humidity or frequent pool use)
Shower shoes or flip flops
Insect spray
Sun screen and/or hat
Sunglasses
Who is in Charge?
The Texas Conference Choir Clinic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) publicly supported non-profit corporation and is managed by a 40 member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee includes:
Dean: Michael Vaughn
Dean Elect: Lindsay Smith
Registrar: Catherine Bost
Treasurer: Jody Griggs
Executive Secretary: Donald Crump
Recording Secretary: Nancy Ginsberg