K-State senior violinist spends summer guiding campers and performing in Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp festival orchestra.
Just like at any other summer camp, the cabins were filled with middle school kids complaining of heat, bugs and typical middle-school drama.
But unlike the others, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan is a place where aspiring artists take their skills to the next level — both campers and counselors.
“It was out of my comfort zone, but it was totally worth it and a good decision to go,” said Regan Lattey, a K-State violinist and former Blue Lake counselor.
The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a wonderful opportunity for fine arts college students to experience real-world applications of their majors, as not many internships are readily available for them. It’s not just a camp for musicians, but also for theater, arts and dance students.
While the campers went about their daily activities — ensemble practices, technique classes and free time — Lattey and other counselors assisted in classes and practiced for their own ensemble, the festival orchestra. At the end of the day, both campers and counselors participated in evening performances or talent shows.
Counselors devoted seven to eight weeks to the camp sessions. For Lattey, this meant she was 12 hours away from her Kansas home for much of the summer, but her enthusiasm for the beneficial effects of this camp were unwavering.
“It’s so important for college students to get out there and exercise their skills,” said Lattey. “Staying connected to people around you will open doors you never knew existed.”
Lattey never would have heard of this opportunity if it weren’t for two friends who participated in the camp for several years and enthusiastically encouraged her to sign up. Even though she committed last minute, she has no regrets.
By Kate Ellwood