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SuwanneeSpirit.org

What is Camp Like?!

Underneath the Spanish moss and the

live oak trees, in the world’s greatest

music venue, is a place where all kids can

come and explore music with other kids

(and some adult kids); The Suwannee

Spirit Kids Music Camp .

Four times a year the Spirit of the

Suwannee Music Park Hosts a free

three-day music camp for kids ages 5- 17.

Children receive instruction in fiddle, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, ukulele , vocals, and hand drums and are treated to four two-hour lessons, a tee shirt making arts and craft session, a Saturday afternoon barbecue chicken dinner and a Sunday afternoon concert showcasing the children’s new accomplishments.

Instructors are experienced musicians who have given their time and energy to ensure that this event continues to effect the live of young people in our community.

The Music Park has also provided beautiful facilities and surroundings that cannot be matched anywhere. Camping is free for children and their parents as well.

What is the History of SSKMC?

The Suwannee Spirit Kid’s Music Camp was born out of a dream by Miss Jean Cornett to have a camp for kids based out of The Spirit of the Suwannee that was similar to a kid’s bluegrass camp at The “Festival of the Bluegrass” Who Miss Jean and the Cornett family started.

In 2003 a group of volunteer instructors held the first music camp at the park for roughly 25 kids. And by 2005 Linda McCoy was coordinating the event and was a bi-annual and then quarterly event averaging 35 kids learning guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and hand drums. Ms. McCoy was also instrumental in securing the initial donations of instruments that the camp still uses today. In 2006 Ms. McCoy handed the reins off to Charley Dame, A lifelong musician and artisan that had recently opened up a Wood Shop in the Craft Village at the SOSMP.

Today the Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp averages an attendance of 85 kids per camp weekend. Instruction includes guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, fiddle, harmonica, ukulele, vocals and hand drums. There are also regular guest appearances by regional and national artists. Not only do the kids explore music in this environment but they also get to experience an uplifting and rewarding social event created just for them.

Our Mission Statement

“It is the mission of the SSKMC

(Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp) to

provide positive, life-enhancing

experiences for all participants in our

programs and for members of the

surrounding community, including those

less fortunate. SSKMC strives to offer a

stimulating, fun-filled environment which

fosters personal growth in music and

friendship through challenging educational

activities. We provide a simple place for enrichment, retreat and renewal in peaceful natural surroundings. Each participant should come away with tangible evidence of having succeeded in one or more activities, as well as intangible feelings of independence, self-worth and self-confidence.”