Are you new to Texas Choir Camp? Have a question? You might find the answer below. Tap or click a question to reveal more information.
Texas Choir Camp is a summer worship arts camp connected to the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. It brings together campers of all ages to grow in music, faith, and community.
Campers can sing, ring handbells, explore drama and movement, and take part in art and worship planning. In addition, campers enjoy rest, recreation, and meaningful connection throughout the week.
Texas Choir Camp takes place at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center near Palestine, Texas. Surrounded by East Texas piney woods, Lakeview offers a peaceful and welcoming setting.
Campers enjoy dining services, a swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing lakes, and a ropes course. Families often attend together, making it a great introduction to summer camp.
Everyone is welcome at Texas Choir Camp. Campers come from many backgrounds and traditions. This open and inviting environment helps each person feel at home.
The Texas Choir Camp schedule includes programs for every stage of life.
Kids Kamp serves children entering Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Elementary Camp includes 3rd through 5th grade.
Middle School Camp serves 6th through 8th grade.
High School Camp includes 9th grade through recent graduates.
Adult Camp welcomes ages 18 and up.
Many campers return each year and continue through multiple stages.
Do you find yourself in this list?
- I play in a 5 octave professional handbell ensemble.
- I play in a handbell ensemble in my church that I consider to be advanced
- I play in a handbell ensemble in my church, but I really want to challenge my handbell playing and expand my skills.
- I know something about playing handbells, but I need to get better and learn new techniques.
- I know absolutely nothing about ringing a bell (except, perhaps, the dinner bell).
- What is a handchime and how do I play one?
Guess What:
If you found yourself here, then you will find something for your handbell tastes in our Handbell Camp. We offer two handbell tracks, one for worship and one for concert performances. Choir Camp, you see, is not just about singing, it’s also about RINGING! And lots of it. One of the benefits of our clinic is that it gives ringers the opportunity to participate in experience-leveled handbell ensembles in a group setting. Mass ringing is available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced ringers. While the beginner and intermediate ensembles are open to anyone, those desiring to participate in the advanced group need to be able to learn and play music on a 3 or higher difficulty level. The advanced group will also perform at the Festival Concert and accompany on the Dean’s Anthem.
At Texas Choir Camp, Handbell Camp is not just about playing music.
Do you want to learn how to four-in-hand or Shelley? What about improving your bass bell technique? Ever had a handbell break 5 minutes before a performance and not know how to fix it? These are some of the classes routinely offered and taught by our highly qualified staff of handbell artists. Looking for something new to ring? Part of our handbell experience includes Reading Sessions. Join with other ringers to sight-read the newest handbell compositions, or perhaps something that’s tried and true, or great seasonal classics. Not only will you hear new musical compositions, but you’ll also improve your reading skills and have great fun doing it.
Yes. Texas Choir Camp welcomes families with young children. Kids’ Kamp is designed for children ages 5 to 7 and gives them a fun and safe camp experience.
Each day, children join age-appropriate activities after morning worship. Then they eat lunch with their families. In the afternoon, they return for more Kids’ Kamp activities before dinner. At night, children stay with a parent or responsible adult.
In addition, Kids’ Kamp includes singing, music, and creative activities. Some children even learn ukulele or handchimes. A favorite moment is performing in the Variety Show.
Parents may also bring younger children. However, infants and children under age 5 must stay with a responsible adult at all times.
Campers will want to bring:
Pillow and bed linens or sleeping bag*
Towel(s)*, washcloth*
Bathmat*
Mattress pad*
Cool, casual clothing
Comfortable shoes
Swim suit
Flashlight
Kleenex
Toiletries
Alarm clock
Cup or glass (preferably paper or plastic)
Pencil for marking music in rehearsal
Camera (Information about sharing your photos with us will be given at Camp!)
Musical instrument that you play
Costumes/music for variety show auditions
* First-class housing provides linens and a coffee pot
Many campers are more comfortable if they also bring:
Earplugs (if sensitive to others’ snoring)
Fan (cabins and dorm rooms are well air conditioned, but some enjoy additional air)
Blanket (some may not want as much air conditioning as others)
Backpack or tote bag (for camp notebook, music, and class handouts)
Towel-drying rack (helpful for high humidity or frequent pool use)
Shower shoes or flip flops
Insect spray
Sun screen and/or hat
Sunglasses
The Texas Conference Choir Clinic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) publicly supported non-profit corporation and is managed by a 40 member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee includes:
Dean: Lindsay Smith
Dean Elect: Kenneth Clayborn
Registrar: Catherine Bost
Treasurer: Jody Griggs
Executive Secretary: Charles Tucker
Recording Secretary: Julie Brand
Texas Choir Camp offers a clear and age-based program for every stage. This structure helps each camper grow, learn, and feel at home.
Elementary Camp (Grades 3 to 5)
Elementary campers sing in choir and learn from experienced directors. In addition, they enjoy handbells, movement, arts and crafts, and swimming.
They also love outdoor fun like hiking, foam parties, and the jump pad. Many favorites include the gift shop and the Snack Shack.
Middle School Camp (Grades 6 to 8)
Middle school campers build musical skills while enjoying group activities. They sing in choir and learn handbells. They also explore movement and sign language.
In addition, they enjoy outdoor fun like swimming and time at Wet Willie.
High School Camp (Grades 9 to Graduates)
High school camp brings energy, music, and strong friendships. Campers prepare music for the Festival Concert and take part in meaningful worship.
They also join classes in handbells, movement, recreation, crafts, and Bible study. In addition, they lead a special worship experience during the week.
The Texas Conference Choir Clinic provides leadership opportunities for those in High School Camp who demonstrate a commitment to the camp and to the worship arts. Three high school students (as nominated by their camp) are included for a one-year term as working and voting members of the TCCC Board of Directors. These students attend all Board meetings and help with the yearly preparation and planning of camp.
During the week, a clinician of outstanding ability and reputation works with the adult choir during the twice-a-day rehearsals. Classes related to music, worship, visuals in the worship space, and movement are offered throughout the week along with reading sessions of choral music for age-level choirs and anthems for general and seasonal use in the local church. For those who enjoy crafts, we have a multi-camp come and go arts & crafts class that covers everything from traditional summer favorites to unique offerings.
Adults may join activities across camp levels or enjoy quiet time to rest. Throughout the week, they take part in worship, special events, and the Festival Concert.
Finally, Adult Camp includes fellowship events, including time with clinicians and shared moments over ice cream and conversation.