Where is Resident Camp Held?

Resident Camp is held at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. It is about 40 minutes away.

What do the students do/learn there?

Students select from options on the application. The options change each year but are normally about a specific genre, time period, or musical concept. They will also have the opportunity to play their instruments together in large and smaller groups, sing in a choir, and study other music-related topics (ex: songwriting, audio production, vocal jazz…etc.). They will be challenged in fun and engaging ways throughout the entire week.

Can my student come for part of the time?

The short answer is No…if they are not able to come for the entire week (coming in late or leaving early) it’s not going to set them up for a successful experience and it is not fair to the other students involved. As always at W.O. Smith, we will do what we think is in the best interest of the student(s) so we are willing to exceptions in particular circumstances. Please come talk to us and we can discuss this.

Where will the students be sleeping? Is it supervised?

Our students will be staying in dormitory-style rooms with 1 bathroom shared between 4 students. Cis-gender males and females will be split by floor and will each have two-floor counselors. Non-binary and transgender students will also be accommodated and appropriately placed based on (?????)

(more info on this is available on our Gender Inclusion FAQ page, scroll up and look on the left side).

Will you accommodate dietary restrictions & Allergies?

Yes we will! Please make these known to us ASAP so we can plan ahead. It’s much easier for the camp kitchen staff if they have this info early on. Additionally, Cumberland’s cafeteria has a specific gluten-free station and many food accommodations.

Will my student be safe there?

Yes they will! While there will be some active college students, it is a small university and we will be the largest group on campus for the whole week. Cumberland University security is always on-site to ensure the facility is secure. IF someone were to need medical attention, we have a Nurse on staff for the week who is available around the clock. Nurse Linda has been coming to camp for many years and handles everything from bumps and scraps to daily prescription meds. She is highly prepared and ready for anything. All of the staff members will have phones on them and contact numbers to be contact if needed and there is a camp land line if cell reception is not available.

Can my student bring their phone?

No. They will not need it and it would most certainly be a distraction. The past students can attest to this week being a smart phone detox for them. They will be busy and after a day or so they won’t even notice they don’t have it. If you are concerned about getting in touch with them or them needing to get in touch with you, please rest assured that they will never be more than maybe 100ft from someone who has a phone. IF there were an emergency, you can call the school number and be put in touch with the staff members onsite at camp.

What do they need to bring?

We have a packing list that will be sent to you once they have applied and been accepted into the camp. It includes all the basics: toiletries, bedding, clothes, their instrument…etc. If they forget something, a staff member will do what they can to help them out.

Instruments:

Your student will have to bring ALL CHECKED-OUT INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES to the school on Monday morning (with the exception of drum kits). We will be checking in all borrowed items over the summer for maintenance. Please reach out to us if you have specific questions or concerns about this.

Can I come to visit my student?

We prefer that parents and guardians allow their students to experience a full week away from family and home. It’s a real growing experience for lots of the students (especially if it is their first time away from home for this long) and they gain much more from it if it’s uninterrupted. Aside from that, they will be seriously busy this week and will have a hard time making time to see anyone.

Will there be a performance?

Absolutely! On Friday evening, we will have a special dinner for all families and a special performance on the Cumberland campus. You are expected to attend so you can not only see what they were up to but also so they have a ride home afterward! Once the concert is finished, students will pack up their belongings and head home with you.