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Get the Answers You Need

Frequently Asked Questions
Who/What/Why/Where/When?

Who: String players (violin, viola, cello, bass -- and yes, you need your own instrument!)
What: Summer Camp
Why: Because it's fun!
Where: Hampton, GA
When: Dates vary by session

Grade levels?

The grade levels we reference are 'most recently completed when camp starts'. For age reference, think of a 4th grader as 8-9 years old and an 8th grader as 13-14 years old. You could also think of them as the 'grade level they're currently in when you're filling out the application'.

What if my student is advanced?

There is some flexibility with regard to which camp you sign up for, but please realize that performance ability and social interaction (the camp is supposed to be fun!) are two different things. If your child is on the edge, we usually recommend going for the lower camp. If they are big for their age, and are comfortable with older kids, and are comfortable with performing at a higher level, and don't cry easily when frustrated or when looked at funny by an 8th grader, then, by all means, lets step them up a notch.

Is it safe?

Short answer: very safe! Longer answer: we're at a beautiful wooded facility and yes, kids will get splinters and be scared of the occasional large (or very small) wildlife. Professionally trained and certified teachers and lifeguards oversee all aspects of their day, however, and thanks to this we have never had any serious incidents. Students sleep in what are essentially hotel rooms in a building that only we occupy. Counselors are located every 3 or 4 rooms protecting them from the attack ducks and geese.

Who are the teachers/counselors?

The faculty are all professional certified teachers who have been known by or married to the camp directors for an average of 20 years. We also have an occasional camp graduate who will come back from college as an intern. In this case we may have only known them for 10 years but are still confident of their character and qualifications.

Can my child still take all their medicine?

Upon check-in we do a full review with each individual parent and student as to their medical needs. We keep all medicines in a secure and individually labeled container and do a 'medicine call' every morning, before each meal, and before bedtime. Items such as inhalers or epi-pins that parents are comfortable leaving with students can be kept with the student at all times if necessary. All other pills and medicines are kept by the staff not only for the safety of your child but for the safety of all the students.

What are the facilities like?

The main Calvin Center conference center is very much like a small hotel with 2 twin beds in each room. Each room also has its own bathroom, sink, shower, desk, and air conditioning controls. For our larger sessions the latest registering students will occasionally be placed in the Geneva Lodge which is adjacent to the conference center. These rooms house between 4 and 8 students each. Since there are no televisions we recommend students look out the windows to watch the deer, ducks, turkeys, and various lizards that are often wandering by.

How are meals handled? My child has special dietary needs.

Meals are cafeteria style in a building adjacent to the conference center. There is usually a main entree, a selection of vegetables and fruits, a full salad bar, and desert at every meal. We are usually able to accommodate dietary needs such as lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or those with nut allergies. Please make sure to include these on your registration form.

I simply must be able to talk to my baby every night!

We're about 4 miles from the nearest cell phone signal tower. If you feel comfortable leaving a cell phone with your child we do allow this, but don't expect it to work. We do keep the camp landline out at all times, and you will have our number in your camp packet in case of emergencies, but it is not for student use.

When will we hear from you?

We try to update our online and mailed in applications about once a week so expect a confirmation email from us shortly after you apply. From there you'll get a full camp packet with the exact schedule, balance due, roommate/shirt information, and a complete list of what to bring about 2 weeks before your session is set to start. If you're feeling impatient you can head to the 'Student Mailings' page to look at old versions of what will be in the packet. If a session fills up and we are not able to accept your student we will call you directly and issue a full refund.

Can I apply online?

Yes, we have an online application and payment option. It costs a little more because of the fees associated with online payments, but it is convenient!

Why is the SSN# on the paperwork?

Social Security #s are used only for verification of insurance in the unlikely event that we were unable to reach you during an emergency at a hospital. We've never needed one, hopefully never will, but it's a standard item on all medical release forms. You may leave it blank if you wish but keep your cell phone turned on!

Are there scholarships available?

As a non-profit organization we do not actually maintain any funds for scholarships. We are occasionally able to offer partial tuition rebates to deserving students who would otherwise have difficulty attending the camp. To be considered please send in the normal application and include a letter from the student stating why they would like to attend the ASTA camp as well as 2 letters of recommendation from teachers or family members attesting as to why the student deserves scholarship consideration. We will contact the parents directly within a few weeks of receipt. It is also worth asking your local school teacher if there are any funds available for camp scholarships.

What is a day at camp like?

Our camp days vary from day to day, but we make sure to always balance musical instruction and camp-like activities. Below is a sample schedule from a day at camp. 

8:00-8:45 Breakfast 

9:00-9:20 Wake-up/Warm-up 

9:30-10:45 Orchestra Rehearsal 

11:00-11:45 Music Class 

12:00-12:45 Lunch 

1:00-1:40 Sectionals 

2:00-3:30 Pool Time/Canoe/Snack/Recreation 

4:00-4:50 Orchestra Rehearsal 

5:00-5:45 Dinner 

6:00-6:45 Chamber Groups 

7:00-7:45 Student Recital and Chamber Night 

8:00 – 9:45 Hayride and Campfire 

10:00 Room Check 

10:15 Lights Out! 

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