If you’ve ever been to an arts camp, you know the experience of being surrounded by countless other creative minds. I can now say from personal experience, it’s a beautiful feeling. The atmosphere is bright, there’s music in the air, and your own creativity has an opportunity to skyrocket. That was my experience this past summer at Interlochen Arts Camp.

Whether your talents lie in visual arts, music, theater, or creative writing (like me!) Interlochen is perhaps the greatest place in the country for youth to develop those talents further.

Founded in 1928, Interlochen Arts Academy is a prestigious boarding high school near Traverse City, Michigan. Residing between two lakes, its 1,200-acre campus has everything from basketball courts to greenhouses to ice cream shops (yes, multiple!) and is home to about 550 students per year. However, during the summer, it has one of the most incredible summer opportunities for young arts-oriented minds from around not only the country, but the world. 

Interlochen Arts Camp (IAC) spans 8 weeks and multiple sessions of immersive lessons in the arts, with professional instructors and talented peers to assist your growth as an artist. Interlochen provides the classic summer camp experience – cabins, activities, games – while at the same time, immersing you into a world of artistic profession. Campers can apply for three or six week camp sessions, or a 1-week intensive if desired.

When I heard of this opportunity through a language arts teacher, I applied without really thinking I’d get in. And the first year, I didn’t. I didn’t think much of it – Interlochen is known for its prestige, so I wasn’t surprised I didn’t make the cut. Over the next year, though, my creative writing skills improved drastically, and I decided to apply again in the beginning of last year. Months later, I received news that not only had I been accepted to IAC, but I had been given a merit scholarship (which was much needed). Frankly, I was astonished.

Not even a week after school let out for the summer, I was on a plane to Traverse City, Michigan. It was my first time flying alone, so I was slightly nervous about navigating the airports gracefully, but I was relieved to see many Interlochen escorts when I arrived at the Traverse City airport. Already on my flight I had made friends with other teenagers on their way to Interlochen.

Upon arrival I was rushed to an introductory meeting of sorts in the performance auditorium. The gravity of my next three weeks hit me as I sat in the crowd of more than 1,000 talented campers, all ready and eager to improve their skills. It felt surreal. 

For the next three weeks I would make meaningful friendships that still last after camp. My cabin became close-knit and began to feel like family. I met other passionate writers like me and we pushed each other to improve. Instructors carefully cultivated my skills, and I began to feel comfortable in my writer’s voice. I spent time with my new friends, went to countless camper performances – theater, music, dance – and even went to an Old Crow Medicine Show concert on campus. I probably gained at least five pounds from ice cream alone. I left with a heavy heart, already missing my friends. But I also left with a confidence I’d never had in my ability to seize opportunities. I left being able to confidently call myself, for the first time, a writer.Interlochen was an incredible experience that I am glad to say I will be repeating in the summer of 2025. I encourage any and all passionate artists to apply for Interlochen Arts Camp, or contact me directly (holly.nelson@student.csd509j.net) and I can fill out an alumni referral form that completely waives your application fee. I’d be more than ecstatic to be joined this summer by a fellow CV raider for another three weeks of immersive artistic experience and long-lasting memories.