Muskingum News

Founded in 2006, the residential Summer High School Music Theatre CAMP is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. The CAMP, which runs from June 22-28, will culminate in a free public performance on Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Caldwell Hall. 

Carol Wilcox-Jones, CAMP director, designed and mounted the first CAMP in 2006. That year and each year thereafter, it has been recognized for excellence with a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. 

“I am very proud of our dynamic residential program and the highly qualified professional staff who continue to inspire, educate, and encourage these motivated young people,” Carol said. “These aspiring young musicians, grades 9-12, want to learn more about singing, acting, dancing, and performing for the Musical Theatre genre. Not only do they enjoy personal success in our positive CAMP experience, but parents, teachers, and camper surveys confirm that students return to their home school programs with increased self-confidence, improved performance skills, and broader cultural understanding.”

The camp has 10-11 staff members and a ratio of three students to one staff member. During the week students are immersed into daily movement classes, private voice lessons, scene study, improv and acting sessions, master classes, and so much more. In the evening, they have events including square dancing, swimming, movie musicals, and making friendships. Many campers return to CAMP each year that they are eligible and over 23 have gone on to become “Muskies” at Muskingum. 

This year marks Carol’s last year as CAMP Director. She is inviting CAMP alums to join the CAMP for a 20^th anniversary reunion.