Sw Louisiana News

The City of Lake Charles, in partnership with Loyola University New Orleans’ College of Music and Media, will host two one-week music camps this summer. Students attending the camps will have an opportunity to learn about music and media through hands-on educational activities. Themed as #radioisnotdead, campers will work over the course of two weeks to write and perform full songs and commercial jingles. By the end of the camp, participants will build out a radio show to be debuted at the conclusion of the second week.

“It has been an absolute joy to see summer camp programming come back online over the past two summers,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “We’ve packed the summer calendar with robotics and weekly-themed camps for our youth, and today we are thrilled to announce something just for teens. This new partnership with Loyola University New Orleans will inspire a new generation of music makers in our community.”

The program, funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, is free of charge but spaces are limited. Students must meet eligibility requirements to be considered for acceptance into the program.

To be eligible to attend the camps, individuals must be an 8th through 12th grade student in August 2024, live inside the city limits of Lake Charles, and belong to a low-to-moderate income household.

Sessions will take place as follows:

- McMillan Park (343 Goos Blvd): July 15 – 19, 2024

- July 29 – August 2, 2024

Camp sessions run from 9 am to 4 pm and lunch will be provided.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us to not only address a need but to inspire the next generation of musicians," added Dr. Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Dean of the College of Music and Media at Loyola University New Orleans. "Our young people deserve to learn about and fall in love with music, the great equalizer and unifier. We are beyond excited to partner with the City of Lake Charles to bring quality programming that exposes participants to the possibilities of a creative career and that Loyola is a place where they can thrive and turn their dreams into successful careers.”

“When a child is introduced to music, a whole new world of opportunity opens right in front of them,” stated Cameron Fultz, Executive Director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. “This free summer music camp offered by Loyola University is a fantastic way to get your teen out of the house and expose them to the art of songwriting and music production, giving them the opportunity to create music in a fun and educational environment.”

Interested parents or guardians can learn more about applying by contacting the City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department at (337) 491-1280. An applicant’s eligibility is not determined until after completing the application process.

For updates on City events, visit their official website or follow their social media channels.