The Lake House, with the Main Pavillion in the background
A typical week at CAMMAC…
Arrival on Sunday evening:
Participants arrive in the afternoon on Sunday, allowing everyone to take some time to settle in. There’s a feeling of joy and excitement as returning participants greet each other with laughter and hugs. Everyone is greeted with a warm welcome.
At 5 p.m., the children meet their teachers and monitors, and receive their schedule. The 6 p.m. bell announces the supper in the cafeteria, while campers cook their own meals at their campsites. Then, at 7.30 p.m., the adults gather in Lucy Hall, where the teachers assist them in registering for their chosen classes for the week. If you have any questions or worries about the week ahead, you’ll find out everything you need to know at this meeting.
And then the magic moment arrives: participants receive the score for the first reading of the week’s choral work. That first moment of voices in harmony is joyful, and a sense of togetherness fills the hall: this is where you will first feel all the love and joy of CAMMAC. Before bed comes the evening snack, when you can choose from a selection of fruit, cakes and biscuits.
Classes and activities – from Monday to Friday:
From Monday to Saturday, a short wake-up concert starts the days early. For those who want to get moving in the mornings, there is yoga, swimming or kayaking across the lake. Coffee lovers can indulge in a latte, cappucino or espresso at the Tuck Shop. After breakfast, all participants gather in Lucy Hall for a concert and the announcements of the day. Classes begin shortly afterwards, with a morning snack break.
Lunch is at 1 p.m., followed by a mandatory siesta or silent hour: a well-deserved and necessary break! The afternoon is devoted to additional classes and activities. Relax, practice your instrument, swim or canoe on the lake.
The children’s schedule is similar to that of the adults, with classes in the morning and relaxing activities in the afternoon while parents sing or play in the orchestra. Activities for children include music classes (piano, violin, recorder, percussion, etc.), crafts, dance and sports.
For teens… the days are filled with fast-paced entertainment! They can follow the regular adult program, and there are some extra classes and activities designed especially for them.
Evenings are devoted to concerts and performances: you can sing, play in the orchestra, dance (no experience required), attend concerts given by the teachers, all excellent musicians. The cabaret evening offers you the chance to perform solo, or with other participants. Other activities may include game nights, campfires, jam sessions and more.
The weekend:
Saturday is the day when you show off what you’ve learned during the week… It’s time for concerts, piano recitals, singing and small ensembles to perform, along with the eagerly awaited children’s concert. Concerts continue in the evening, with additional performances taking on a party atmosphere as everyone feels the joy of being on stage with friends.
On Sunday morning, it is with a heavy heart that we pack our bags again. To stretch out the week just a little bit longer, you can take in one of the Sundays Music Festival concerts, which offers a programme of internationally renowned artists every week throughout the summer.
The concert is followed by a final meal enjoyed with friends on the lakeside terrace: CAMMAC’s famous brunch. The brunch marks the real departure of the participants, who leave each other with the promise to meet again next year!