Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic many bluegrass camps and educational programs were cancelled or postponed in the summer of 2020. The Foundation recently received a report from the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Bluegrass Day Camp for Kids held just outside Bayfield, Wisconsin, which was rescheduled for this past summer (2021).

According to grant coordinator Laura Greene, the seventh year event based in Washburn, Wisconsin, was a big success, with good attendance. Outdoor class space was utilized and a powerful staff and group of volunteers was pared-down, due to continued COVID concerns.

A 2020 project grant from the IBMA Foundation allowed the camp to give partial scholarships to two campers and a full scholarship to one. In addition, grant funds were used to pay instructors Tom Draughon, Joel Glickman, Becky Deters and Randy Sabien.

Funding from the foundation also helped cover salaries for the staff involved in organizing the camp, as well as supplies for camp—snacks, music books, and sound engineering for the last day of performances by bands created during the camp.

“It is with sincere gratitude we thank the IBMA Foundation and their Board of Directors, without whom, after a year without any revenue due to the cancellation of our 2020 season, Bluegrass Day Camp for Kids would not have been possible,” Laura Greene said. “We thank you, and our instructors and campers thank you.” 

Photo above: Two students at the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Bluegrass Day Camp for Kids practiced their guitars last summer.

Return to the October 5, 2021 issue of The Cornerstone.