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Here are some common questions students and families have about applying to and attending Interlochen Arts Camp. Incoming campers and parents can also find detailed information about preparing for, traveling to and living at camp in our student handbook.
General
Who can apply?
Programs are available for students who will complete any grade from three to twelve in the current academic year and will be at least eight years old at the start of camp.
How competitive is it? Am I good enough to get in?
For younger students, there are many programs that do not require auditions. For intermediate and high school students, the programs are more challenging and competitive. Students are not expected to be "perfect" in order to be accepted -- it is far more important that a student display an eagerness to learn and a capacity for continued growth. Any student who is driven to improve in their discipline is encouraged to apply.
Where do Interlochen students come from?
Interlochen campers come from around the world (more than 40 different countries are represented in a typical summer) and all 50 states.
Who works on the Interlochen Arts Camp Faculty and Staff?
Camp faculty provide instruction to individual students and groups. They come from colleges, universities, conservatories and public schools. Many are working artists. Faculty are selected to work at Interlochen not only for their artistic accomplishments but for their ability to teach, motivate and inspire students. Many faculty members are Interlochen alumni.
The camp staff provide all non-instructional services, serving as cabin counselors, lifeguards, in food service, transportation, etc. College students make up a large component of the camp staff. Many have strong interests in the arts or are pursuing careers in the arts. Primary and secondary teachers are also well-represented on the staff. Many staff members are Interlochen alumni.
The camp medical staff includes doctors and registered nurses. Medical professionals are on campus 24 hours a day to provide routine and emergency health care as needed.
All camp faculty and staff must undergo background checks.
Learn more about summer employment opportunities at Interlochen Arts Camp.
Is Interlochen licensed or accredited?
Interlochen Arts Camp is licensed by the state of Michigan, which is one of only a handful of states that requires licensing for summer camps. To qualify for a license, Interlochen Arts Camp meets or exceeds the standards set by the Michigan Department of Human Services.
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Application and Audition Process
How do I apply?
All students must complete an application. Applications can be submitted online or the application can be downloaded and submitted by mail. Audition and portfolio requirements vary by program. Please see the detailed program descriptions for more information.
Is the application process the same for international students?
International students must provide additional documentation as part of their application:
- Certificate of Finance prepared for all banking accounts of the student's immediate family
- Copies of the applicant's passport photo page, current U.S. student visa and I-20
- Contact information for a stateside sponsor that Interlochen can contact in case of emergency
Can students apply if they miss the February 1 priority application date?
Yes. Openings frequently remain for some programs after the February 1 deadline. Availability, however, can change quickly as new applications and auditions are received.
Will Interlochen have auditions or information sessions in my city or state?
Interlochen representatives visit communities across the country. (View event schedule) The dance program offers off-site auditions around the country. (View Schedule)
How do students audition if they apply online?
If an audition or portfolio is required for the program, students who apply online are required to submit a portfolio or recorded audition by mail, UPS, FedEx, etc. Applications are not considered complete until audition materials have been received. Send materials to:
Office of Admission & Financial Aid
PO Box 199 (US Mail)
4000 Highway M-137 (FedEx, UPS, Airborne Ex)
Interlochen, MI 49643-0199
Materials need to be labeled with the applicant's full name, program of interest and division.
Who makes the decision about acceptance?
Primary responsibility rests with the arts faculty with consultation from the Admission staff.
When will I know if I am accepted?
Students who submit a complete application (with audition or portfolio, if necessary) by February 1 will receive notification of acceptance by April 15. For programs that do not require an audition or portfolio, students will be notified as applications are processed. Acceptance decisions will be sent via e-mail whenever possible. Providing an e-mail address with your application can help speed up communications.
If a program has multiple sessions of the same program, are there differences?
Occasionally there may be differences in guest artists and faculty but the programs are essentially the same.
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Tuition and Financial Aid
How much does it cost to attend Interlochen Arts Camp?
Tuition varies depending on program length and specific program. A full list of all programs and the specific fees for each program can be found here. The indicated cost covers room and board, classes, group instruction, all recreational facilities and admission to faculty and student performances. Tuition also covers private lessons that are required as part of an arts program.
What should I expect in terms of financial aid?
Interlochen Arts Camp strives to make camp affordable to all deserving students by offering financial aid. Approximately 25 percent of campers receive some financial aid, which can be as much as full tuition. Because financial aid is carefully tailored to individual students, it is difficult to predict a student's aid package. Three factors that can affect assistance include:
- Financial circumstances of the family
- The student's level of achievement and artistic merit
- The needs of Interlochen ensembles and arts areas
Visit our Scholarships and Financial Aid page to learn more about opportunities for financial assistance. To apply, complete the Financial Aid portion of the camp application. High School instrumentalists may be eligible for a full scholarship through the Emerson Scholars Program.
How can I apply for merit-based scholarships?
Students who complete the financial aid portion of the application will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships. High school musicians can apply for the Emerson Scholarship program by simply checking the appropriate box on their application. (The Emerson program is not available to all music students. Check detailed eligibility requirements for the Emerson program.)
Are discounts available for siblings or students enrolling in multiple sessions?
Discounts are available for students who attend multiple sessions. Discounts are not offered for multiple students attending from the same household. Click here for more information.
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Camp Life
Can friends and family members visit students during Camp sessions?
Family and friends are welcome to enjoy public performances and for short visits with students on the main campus. Visitors are asked to be mindful that students have busy schedules and many obligations. Frequent or lengthy visits make it difficult for students to take advantage of the resources available to them or fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. Guests are not permitted to visit residential areas or cabins.
What kind of adult supervision does Interlochen provide?
In addition to approximately 350 year-round staff, Interlochen employs another 1,000 adults during the camp season. While the duties of each position vary, the safety and well-being of students is a responsibility that is shared by all staff members. Camp counselors comprise more than 20 percent of the summer staff. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of those who participate in Interlochen's summer programs.
Are religious services available?
Although Interlochen does not have a religious affiliation, local churches and clergy offer services on the campus throughout the camp session. Campers are free to attend services as they wish. Many denominations are represented. If you have specific questions about what is offered, please call the Education office at 231.276.7492.
Can my child have a cell phone, laptop computer or iPod at Camp?
Students may travel to camp with a cell phone but are expected to turn it in to their counselor upon arrival. Many students find that they are able to better enjoy their camp experience without the distraction of a cell phone. Public telephones are available on campus. In the event of an emergency on campus, camp staff will provide telephone access to campers. In the event of an emergency at home, parents can quickly reach students through the campus switchboard at 231.276.7200.
Laptops are not allowed, with the exception of campers who are participating in the high school creative writing program or motion picture arts program.
Students are allowed to use iPods and other portable audio media players.
What does Interlochen do for homesick students?
It is not uncommon for kids of all ages to miss home during their first day or two at camp, especially if they are on their first extended trip away from home. The residence life staff is trained to identify when students are having difficulty and to help them enjoy their camp experience.
It is not uncommon for a parent to "suffer" more than their child, who is typically preoccupied with a busy camp schedule.
Can students call home or send e-mail?
Public phones are available on the main campus. Students are encouraged to have a phone card for calling home. Students will not have Internet access to read or write e-mail.
Are there vegetarian/special needs dining options?
At each meal there are multiple entre choices, which include vegetarian options. There are also salad and sandwich options.
Can students exercise or participate in sports?
Junior campers may participate in structured recreational activities and sports. Intermediate and high school students have access to recreational facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts, hiking trails, waterfront activities and more.
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Health Services
What if my child becomes ill?
The camp medical staff includes doctors and registered nurses. Medical professionals are on campus 24 hours a day to provide routine and emergency health care as needed.
There are three infirmaries on campus, each located close to student cabins. The Green Lake Township Emergency Medical Service and fire station is less than one mile from campus and Munson Hospital, which has been recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States, is 13.9 miles from the Interlochen campus.
How does Interlochen help with a campers' prescription medications?
In order to provide a safe and responsible means for supervision of student medications, Interlochen determines the conditions under which medications will be administered.
- Junior and Intermediate campers are expected to store all medications with Health Services (exceptions are made for inhalers, epi-pens and some skin preparations).
- Depending on the type of medication, high school students generally store and self-administer their medications. Certain types of medication (pain management, behavior-modifying medications, anti-depressants, others) may not be stored or administered by the student. For complete details please review the medication policy on the health form in the parent resource center.
Can Interlochen accommodate children with special medical needs?
The Health Services staff is available to consult with parents and students. They can be reached at 231.276.7220.
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Safety and Security
How do I know that my child will be safe and secure?
Interlochen takes the safety of campers very seriously. Here are just a few measures that Interlochen has taken to ensure the well-being of campers:
- As part of the hiring process, background checks are conducted for all faculty and staff.
- All Interlochen faculty, staff and campers are required to wear uniforms and Interlochen-issued photo ID tags at all time.
- Each building has an evacuation or emergency plan for fires or severe weather. The staff is trained to follow the plans.
- A public address system allows camp administrators to issue vital information (weather warnings, etc.) to campers and camp staff.
- Interlochen employs numerous security and safety professionals, many of whom are retired police officers.
- Interlochen has an extensive Emergency Response plan and routinely works with local, regional, state and national safety and security professionals.
When can students swim?
Campers may only swim when the waterfront is guarded by a trained lifeguard. Before any camper swims or participates in any water sports, they must pass a mandatory swim test.
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Miscellaneous
Will my child be expected to enroll at the Arts Academy?
There is no expectation that campers will enroll in Interlochen Arts Academy boarding high school. Interlochen Arts Camp is a stand-alone program that is intended to complement (not replace) a student's education in the arts.
Does experience at Interlochen Arts Camp improve a student's chances of being admitted to the Arts Academy?
There is no formal preference given to campers in the application and audition process though campers are frequently able to meet and work with Academy faculty, who play a key role in the acceptance process.
Will attending Interlochen Arts Camp help my child get into a specific college, university or conservatory?
While only weeks long, there are a number of reasons that an Interlochen Arts Camp experience can help set a student on a path to achieve their goals. In a supportive and positive environment, students develop positive habits and witness the level of talent that exists outside their immediate surroundings at home. Interlochen Arts Camp gives students a chance to network with faculty, students and arts institutions. These relationships can inform their future decisions. In addition to the faculty that they meet, more than 100 colleges, universities and conservatories from across the U.S. and beyond send representatives to northern Michigan to meet Interlochen campers.
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