Over 20 years ago, I started what became one of my big win-wins in my studio. After years of frustration, I decided to replace regular lessons in December with a holiday camp. I call my camp, Christmas camp but it can really be called whatever you want. Winter, Holiday, Christmas, End of Semester… Camp, workshop, group lessons, group party… Totally up to you!
In this music teacher tip I share details on what Christmas camp is all about and why it’s a win-win during this crazy time of year. I hope you enjoy it! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
By the way, the cover picture you see for this post and the video is the same student back when she was younger and then again this last year! This year will be her last Christmas camp as she is a Senior now! (queue in the tears…) I truly believe that a lot of my students stick with their lessons because of the group experiences they have during the year. It is through these group experiences they gain friendship with other kids doing the exact same thing they are. LOVE! (If I could insert a heart emoji here, I would)
Looking for holiday camp lesson plans, or group games and activities? Find them in my MER shop and TpT store.
I totally want to do the Xmas camps!! Best idea ever!!!
A few questions:
So you offer 2 hour camps every weekday M-F and students choose which day to attend for both weeks?
Just curious what your maximum number of students is per camp day?
Do you group students by age/level or just a variety of ages depending on what day they can come?
I do group workshops 2-4 times a year but really struggle with scheduling by age and level. Much easier to simply let students choose the day they can attend.
But just not sure how to go about a camp if there are a combo of ages from 6-14 in one camp day.
Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated.!!
Thank you!!!!!! 😊
Hi Doris,
I am so glad you are excited about this. I offer around 3-4 sessions they can choose from.
My maximum really depends what we are doing that particular year but usually I like to max it out to 8 students.
Most of my camps are multi-age and level. Like you, that has been the easiest to do. I also have a lot of sibling students so that makes it easier on families as well.
I have split them up in elementary vs. junior high and high school students. And that works well too. But when I do that, I have one session that is mixed ages so families with siblings can figure out what they prefer.
Hope that helps. 😊