Summer memories for many kids are often founded upon camp experiences. Beautiful brochures entice parents to sign their children up for diverse offerings ranging from archery and robotics to roller coaster or cake decoration camps. It seems like summer simply explodes with camps to suit every child’s interest. Too frequently, however, there are underserved youth in Oregon who never get to participate in a summer camp.
Welcome the Youth Music Project (YMP), a new nonprofit music school serving the Wilsonville and West Linn communities, established under the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. YMP has not only managed to come up with a totally unique opportunity for kids with its summer Cowbell Camp, but the best part is that all YMP music programs are open to any kid.
Charles Lewis, right, with a student.
The Youth Music Project’s mission is “to provide Rock, Country, and Pop music instruction and instrument rentals to any child in the community regardless of his or her ability to pay.” Oregon Music News spoke with Executive Director Charles Lewis about this innovative summer camp as well as YMP’s goals for the future.
“A few of our supporters include … Breedlove Guitars that outfitted us with some seriously sweet acoustic guitars,” Lewis exclaims.
