By: Michela Sales, NJSOC Executive Assistant
Stokes Music Camp returned for another successful and exciting two weeks at the NJ School of Conservation this past month! From July 11th to July 25th, the forest of Stokes was filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie, and it could not have been more of a blast. Stokes Music Camp was fortunate enough to welcome a total of 170 campers, counselors, and faculty members for this special, one-of-a-kind summer camp experience.
Campers began their Music Camp experience with a tour of NJSOC, discussing wildlife safety, participating in placement exams, auditions, and ice breaker challenges, like ASEs (Action Socialization Experiences), to help get them acquainted with one another, build relationships, and make new friends. Following the beginning days of camp, campers worked one-on-one and in groups with their counselors and instructors to hone their musical skills and expand their talents in musical theater, jazz band, rock band, concert band, orchestra, chamber choir, and so much more. Not only do the campers have a chance to grow their musical skills and musicianship during Stokes Music Camp, but they also had the opportunity to participate in NJSOC’s life-changing and informative programs, like boating, herpatology, metalsmithing, climbing wall, fish ecology, survival, conservation photography, archery, and water ecology. At the end of each week of camp, the campers, counselors, and instructors were given a chance to showcase their musical skills and what they’ve learned by participating in a variety of concerts and showcases. Stokes truly did come to life with the sound of music and melodies!
Stokes Music Camp was first founded 34 years ago by Dr. Ruth Rendelman of Montclair State University, and Dr. John J. Kirk of the NJ School of Conservation. In the 34 years that Stokes Music Camp has been in existence, there was only two to three years during Covid where it did not take place at NJSOC. We are thankful to the staff of Stokes Music Camp, who keep this unique and amazing tradition alive, and we are most thankful to our staff for their hard work over these two weeks of camp. This year’s camp was one of Stokes Music Camp’s best yet, and we hope that there are many more years of camp to come.
