Camp Information

Campers coming from outside of the Sacramento area should arrive in Sacramento before noon on the 1st day of camp. They will be met at their point of arrival (airport, train or bus station) and transported to the bus for camp by SacJEF volunteers. Arrange departures for the evening of the last day of camp after 5:00 p.m.

The camp concludes with a concert on the final day. Campers will be bused from the camp to the performance site. The concert will begin at 11:00 a.m., and at the conclusion of the performance, approximately 3:00 p.m., campers will either be picked up by parents/guardians, or transported to the airport, train station, or bus station for travel home.

When, Where, and How Much

The dates for the 2025 camps will be July 21 to July 26, and July 28 - August 2.

The camp is held at The Sly Park Education Center (see map) at 5600 Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines, CA. 95726. Enter the driveway and proceed to the Administration building (first building on your left) and sign in. 

Tuition for Camp (ages 12 - 20) is $850.00 and includes 3 meals per day in the school cafeteria (vegan options available), on-campus housing, all study materials and access to all classes. There are no other charges/fees.

Vocals, Trumpet (Cornet), Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Piano, Banjo or Guitar, Bass or Tuba, Drums, or any other instruments are accepted.

There will be 9 campers per instrument. (9 vocalists, 9 trumpets, etc.) for a total of  81 campers.

Bus Transportation

Campers from Sacramento, or nearby, may be dropped off at the Sacramento Elks Lodge, 6446 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, between noon and 12:30 p.m. to ride the bus to camp, or they may be driven directly to the camp at Sly Park in Pollock Pines. Campers may be dropped off at Sly Park between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.The bus will leave the Elks Lodge promptly at 1:00 p.m.

YOU MUST BE ON THE BUS LIST IN ORDER TO BOARD THE BUS. YOU CAN'T JUST DECIDE AT THE LAST MINUTE TO GO TO THE BUS.

Education

The focus of this camp is best described as early or traditional jazz, known today as "Hot Jazz."  Students form stylized jazz combos and rehearse a repertoire based on transposed lead sheets - not written arrangements. Traditional/Swing ensemble fundamentals are stressed as well as solo improvisation. Music theory, especially harmony, is addressed as it applies to playing in these styles. The bottom line is that the camp is primarily about improvisation - both solo and ensemble.

There are 9 venues in which classes are held. Some are in a standard classroom while others are held outdoors.

Students are placed in combos with peers of comparable ability. Also, students are expected to attend semi-private lessons with their instrumental instructor and also instrumental sectionals and master classes.

Formal jam sessions take place after the nightly concert and usually last until 10:00 pm. There are always several instrumental jams going on at once and the vocalists have their own jam room. Informal jam sessions sometimes start up somewhere around the campus during the recreation period in the late afternoon.

Accommodations

There are two male dorms and one female dorm. Each of the dorms is divided into quads with the bathroom facilities in the center. They have been described as “rustic”, but are clean and comfortable. If you have needs that are not addressed here, please talk with the Camp Director before camp.

  • Up to 8 students per room.
  • ​Single beds. Some are bunk beds, some are standard.
  • Each dorm has several closets per room.
  • Each dorm has 6 individual showers, 6 sinks and 6 toilets.

What To Bring

Necessary Items

  • sleeping bag or 2 blankets & 2 sheets
  • pillow and pillowcase
  • bath towel
  • washcloth
  • toothbrush & toothpaste
  • bar of soap & shampoo
  • comb and/or brush
  • jacket and/or sweater
  • closed-toe shoes
  • T shirts, sports shirts or blouses
  • undershirts
  • underpants
  • socks (& closed-toe shoes)
  • pajamas
  • pen and pencil
  • handkerchiefs/tissues
  • jeans
  • shorts
  • chapstick
  • closed toe shoes

Optional Items

  •  laundry bag
  • nice clothes for concert if you wish
  • insect repellent
  • air mattress, if you wish
  • manuscript paper
  • hiking shoes or boots
  • swim suit (not available all camps)
  • sunglasses
  • sunblock
  • instrument stands
  • hats/visors
  • Your smart phone will provide flashlight, camera and recording functions. If you don't have a smart phone, you may bring a small recording device, a camera, and a flashlight.

 

 

Don't worry if you forget something! We have extras of many things and a store is fifteen minutes away.

Music, Instruments and Musical Equipment

Unless you play piano or drums, you must bring your own instrument, instrument accessories and basic maintenance and cleaning tools. Pianos and drum sets are provided.

If you are a drummer, you must bring your own cymbals, sticks and brushes, and any special equipment you like to use (cowbell, woodblock, etc.)

If you play electric guitar or bass, an amplifier will be provided for your use, BUT you must bring your own cables! Please bring an extra cable!

Vocalists must bring a small recording device; a smart phone or tablet is sufficient.  PA systems and microphones are provided.

You may bring a secondary instrument or "double". It is important to note however, that the instrument that you are accepted on is the instrument you must play in your band assignment. You may play your doubles in the nightly jam sessions or in your band with your instructor's consent, and then only in addition to your main instrument.