The third annual Bluegrass Summer Camp with Jam Pak in Chandler, Arizona is a wrap, supported in part by a grant from the IBMA Foundation’s Arnold Shultz Fund. “It is really hard to describe the intense and happy atmosphere which surrounds our camp,” said Jam Pak director Anni Beach. “All ages come together in learning, sharing, and performing bluegrass and roots music.” Sule Greg Wilson, one of the original members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Sandra Bassett, a well-known bules performer as well as the new marketing director for the Chandler, AZ Center for the Arts, joined the camp teaching staff this year.
“All four days were held right here at the Beach House,” Anni said. “Our new buildings were completed just in time as part of the Planned Area Development for Jam Pak, approved by the City of Chandler. We had seven great spaces for lessons, gatherings, and performances.”
In addition to group instrument lessons, singing, and a new class in songwriting, campers were treated to a preview of the new film documentary, Don’t Get Trouble, thanks to camp counselor Sule Greg Wilson.
Grants from the Arnold Shultz Fund and the city of Chandler helped pay for meals for 40 people/day and stipends for 17 camp coaches, including 11 who are people of color. Queen Wheeler from North Carolina donated snacks and paper products, and Jam Pak covered extra expenses.
Jam Pak’s summer bluegrass campers plan to perform their original songs at a festival in October. Here are some comments from attendees: :
“I am so happy that I got to go to camp. My favorite part was song writing. It was fun that the song my group wrote was about dogs and ice cream. I loved the teacher that was helping us. She is so nice. I am so grateful that I am in JamPak.” – Roxanne
“This was my favorite summer camp I’ve ever been to. The food was extremely good, and I loved the hot dogs. My favorite part was making songs and also learning banjo with the tambourine guy. I had a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to come back next year.” – Ryker Sharp
“Thank you for supporting this camp. What I liked was that we learned things we don’t learn every day, and we learned a lot of bluegrass things. I was new to a lot of these things.” – Oculus
“I had a very fun time with Miss Beach at summer camp. I loved writing songs, and I am very grateful for everything those days. Thank you a lot.” – Cohen
“I had an amazing time at camp.” – Elliot
“I am so grateful to be at camp. It was very fun, and I learned a lot. My favorite moments were when everyone was happy. Thank you for your help with the camp and making this possible. With all my heart, thank you. And I hope we can do it again with your help.” – Devin
Here’s a VIDEO REPORT of the entire four-day, joyful Jam Pak camp experience.
RETURN to the August 2025 issue of The Cornerstone.
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