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Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!
Camp Life: High School Division
Cabin Life
Your cabin is your home away from home while at Interlochen Arts Camp. You'll share this rustic yet cozy space–and the daily chores—with 10-16 other passionate high school artists who will become your closest friends and constant companions.
Our high school divisions have access to a private beach, tennis courts, practice cabins, recreational fields, and laundry. Don't forget to bring quarters or there is an optional laundry service available for an extra charge.
Dining
As a high school student, you'll eat your meals at the Stone Dining Hall, which is conveniently located at the heart of our main campus with a gorgeous view of Green Lake. Meals are varied and nutritionally balanced. We offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options at every meal—and we do our best to pay careful attention to students with food allergies
The Uniform
Whenever you leave your division, you'll don the traditional blue-on-blue Camp uniform, worn at Interlochen since 1928. The uniform unites us visually and identifies you as a member of our vibrant, creative community. Although the uniform is simple, it's flexible—we encourage you to customize your look with your choice of navy-blue bottoms and colorful accessories.
Free Time
We believe that the "Camp" part of our name is just as important as the "Arts" part. After classes end for the day, you'll have plenty of time to explore, make friends, and enjoy the performances that take place on our campus.
Each week, you can participate in the wide variety of social activities. Monday night mixers are the perfect time to mingle with other high school students while enjoying snacks and games. Every cabin participates in weekly "cabin night" activities as an opportunity to bond and learn new crafts or cook over an open fire. Check the bulletin board in your division for the schedule of recreational activities for the week, or visit the Craft Cabana to work on your latest project.
Other favorite activities include:
- Sports, including sand and water volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and more
- Getting ice cream, pizza, or snacks from the Melody Freeze
- Swimming, boating, and sunbathing at one of our two waterfronts
- Attending dance performances, gallery openings, theatre performances, chamber recitals, poetry readings, film screenings, and other performances featuring your new friends
You're also welcome to attend concerts by our high-profile guest performers. Recent guests include Josh Groban, The Decemberists, Rufus Wainwright, Wynton Marsalis, Jewel, Norah Jones, OK Go, Reba McEntire, Diana Ross, Martha Graham Dance Company, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Harlem Quartet, Dorrance Dance, and many more.
With the exception of the occasional rehearsal or performance, you'll have Monday afternoons free. You can enjoy on-campus recreation or join one of our weekly field trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Depending on the trip, you might canoe the Platte River, ascend the park's popular Dune Climb, or enjoy the sand and surf of Peterson Beach.
Taking Care
Your cabin is located just minutes away from one of Interlochen's three health centers. These facilities are staffed throughout the day (one is open 24 hours per day), 7 days per week by a dedicated team of health care providers. In addition to administering daily medications, our medical staff are here to handle any little emergencies that might occur—from bee stings to summer colds to poison ivy. And should a bigger emergency arise, Interlochen is 15 minutes away from Munson Medical Center, a class II trauma center.
The Interlochen campus is also watched over by our Campus Safety team. They roam the campus 24/7, providing a watchful eye over our gated main entrance—and they are always ready to assist in the event of an emergency. Interlochen maintains a thorough Site Emergency Plan and is able to utilize a variety of emergency alert systems to keep our campus informed and safe. Our safety officers will also help you find your way around campus, look for your misplaced music folder, or unlock your practice hut.