- 2001 Band Camp Photos -

Marching Band Camp is held at Camp Walden on Long Lake just south of Cheboygan, Michigan, in August. The students arrive via chartered buses on Sunday afternoon and stay until the next Saturday morning. Camp Walden is a beautiful facility. The students stay in cabins, each with a counselor who is usually a band alumnus. Cabins are not coed. Students must take a sleeping bag or bedroll and items you would normally take on a trip away from home, including their instrument and any supplies for it.

The days are structured with music rehearsals, marching rehearsals, rest periods, and meals. Each evening there is a different activity planned. New freshmen sometimes start the week unsure and intimidated. By the end of the week, they are part of the "band family". It�s a great way to be integrated into a group before beginning high school. Each new marching band student is paired with a senior who becomes their band camp "mom" or "dad" for the duration of camp.

Please note that students are not allowed any junk food or caffeinated soft drinks during band camp. Any food or beverages brought from home that are not consumed on the bus ride are confiscated on the first evening of camp, as are "care packages" from home which include food. These packages are returned to the students on the last day of band camp. Students are allowed to bring one small canister of pre-sweetened Kool-Aid.

On Friday of band camp week, there is a marching demonstration for the students� families at 1 p.m. If you are able to attend, you will be amazed at how much they have learned in one short week. Many band families camp at nearby Aloha State Park on Thursday and Friday nights, which allows them to get (re)acquainted and attend the marching demonstration. There are also motels in Cheboygan.

After the marching demonstration, the students can show off their remarkably clean cabins, and are free to leave camp with their families and go into town for fast food and caffeine. They must be back at camp in time for dinner. Students may not leave band camp with a family other than their own unless they have a signed note from their parents.

There are several forms which must be filled out completely to participate in Band Camp. These forms are available to the students, including 8th graders, in the spring, and are due back to Mr. Leach on June 1. The medical release form included in the packet must be notarized.

Band Camp Information

Location:

Camp Walden, on Long Lake near Cheboygan , Michigan . All students stay in cabins. Each cabin has a counselor. Students must bring a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow. A nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. Parents are encouraged to visit camp on Friday, August 23 to view the marching demonstration.

Transportation:

Chartered bus, cost included in camp fee.

Camp Cost:

$250.00. Includes camp meals and Cedar Point trip. Lunch to and from camp is extra; the bus stops at a fast food restaurant.

Deposit:

$125.00 due by May 31. Make checks payable to YBA (Ypsilanti Band Association). Please write your child's name and "band camp" in the memo part of your check. Please do not send or deliver deposits to the middle school band teachers. Mail the deposit to the YBA treasurer:

Rich Trombly
1824 Burns
Ypsilanti , MI 48197

Balance Due:

Bring your check to the July 3rd parade practice.

Financial Assistance:

A limited amount is available. You must apply in writing to me no later than May 31. To request an application, contact me at 714-1033 (Band Room).

Health Exam (Physical):

It is the policy of the Ypsilanti Public Schools to restrict student participation if the complete exam form is not turned in. The exam form will be included in the camp packet. Physical exams must have been completed after December 31, 2001 . Please call the YHS Athletic Office (714-1009) to inquire about school-sponsored, low cost health exams.

Camp Packets:

Will be distributed at East and West Middle Schools . Specific camp expectations will be explained to the students.