Summer strings on the James
VIOLIN - VIOLA - CELLO - BASS - HARP - GUITAR
Read ALL policy information below BEFORE registering your student.
Registration link and online payment link are at the bottom of this page.
DAILY ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL:
Campers are not permitted in the building before 8:45 am. Students will be checked in outside the main entrance (door #1).
Campers must be picked up on time. We do not offer after care, and we cannot leave until your child is picked up for their safety. Prompt pickup is required.
Intro to the Orchestra and Guitar classes will end at 3:45 pm. All other classes will end at 4:00 pm. If you will have sibling campers with different dismissal times, please note it on your registration form, so that we can be prepared to provide adequate supervision.
WHAT TO BRING:
Your instrument and all accessories (rosin, rockstop/anchor, shoulder rest, etc.), 2 sharpened pencils, a water bottle, and a peanut-free bagged lunch. Please have your name on your instrument case, instrument accessories, and water bottle.
Instruments are provided for beginning level students; however, orchestra instrument choice (violin, viola, or cello) is limited by available inventory in the size required for your child's hands and arm length. Beginners may provide their own instruments IF they provide it in the correct size. Playing the correct size instrument is absolutely critical for your child's success!
Experienced students who need to borrow an instrument (especially bass) must contact the director (jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net) by May 15th. This is a hard deadline as we will not be able to borrow instruments from other schools after summer break begins.
If you plan to participate in physical recreation (kickball, frisbee, nature walk, etc.), closed toe tennis shoes are required. Campers wearing flipflops or sandals will NOT be permitted to play physical sports or go on nature walks. Bring sunscreen if you burn easily.
Dressing in layers is recommended.
Campers who normally carry an asthma rescue inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector according to their school health plan should bring their medication with them each day. Please be sure to notate in your registration where the item is stored (purse, pocket, backpack, etc.) so that our camp staff can assist your child quickly in an emergency.
If your child has medication that they do NOT self-carry, email the director (jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net) for medication handling instructions. Please note: There is no school nurse or medical staff on site during summer camps. Families of campers with complex medical or personal care needs should provide their own support person to assist with care.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
Given our busy and enriching camp schedule, we kindly ask campers not to bring these items to ensure they can fully engage in planned activities without distractions:
Handheld electronic games, card games, board games, stuffed animals, and distracting toys
Rings or other jewelry that may hinder your ability to play an instrument
Unnecessary valuables
Additionally:
Please refrain from bringing foods containing peanuts.
Food deliveries (GrubHub, Door Dash, etc.) to the camp are not permitted; please pack a bagged lunch and drink.
Please note that CCPS, James River HS, and our camp staff will not assume responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
CELL PHONE POLICY:
We understand that parents may wish for their child to have a cell phone for emergencies; however, we also recognize the potential distractions they can pose during educational activities. We have established this policy to align with the CCPS cell phone policy observed during the academic year.
Cell phones may be used during designated breaks, lunch times, and instances where staff explicitly allocate time for tuning apps and camp photos.
Cell phone usage is not permitted during rehearsals or enrichment classes. Phones should be set to silent mode and stored out of sight within the student's instrument case.
After the first warning, the device may be securely stored in the main office's phone lock box for safekeeping. Parents will have to enter the building to retrieve the cell phone at the end of the day.
Parents and other caregivers should discuss these expectations with their child in advance so that we will have a smooth and productive camp experience. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
CAMP CODE OF CONDUCT:
Campers will treat all instructors, counselors, and other adults with respect. Our staff is giving up a part of their summer vacations to give you an awesome camp experience. Show them your appreciation with respectful language and behaviors.
Bullying, discriminatory language, verbal harassment, and physical harassment toward other campers, counselors, or staff is not permitted. If you have a concern, let a staff member know right away.
Campers must be attentive to instructions given during rehearsals and enrichment activities. Disrespectful, rude, or defiant language and physical behaviors are not acceptable at any time. Basic rehearsal etiquette includes not talking, plucking, bowing, or texting while your director is speaking. Positive attitudes will make your camp experience a great camp experience.
We will play a variety of music and participate in a variety of learning activities. Campers may not pick and choose which songs they want to play or which activities to participate in. Sitting down and playing games on a cell phone instead of the planned activities is disrespectful to our awesome staff, and it will not be tolerated. Not every song and activity will be your favorite, but trying out new things is how you discover new favorites!
Be mindful of where you leave your instrument and case during breaks. Violinists and violists should not leave their instruments hanging on music stands or in chairs where they can get knocked over. Cellists and bassists should push endpins in and move them to a rack or along a classroom wall. Do not leave cases in the walkways as they create a fall hazard. Our camp staff, James River HS, and Chesterfield County Public Schools will not be responsible for broken instruments.
Horseplay is not permitted. Our rehearsal spaces contain lots of expensive and fragile instruments. We will remain calm and careful around them.
Campers must stay in authorized areas at all times. This is a big building surrounded by a big wooded park, and we want to keep you safe!
The CCPS Standards for Student Conduct are still in effect during summer programs.
Campers who do not adhere to the camp code of conduct will be dismissed from camp without refund.
PICK YOUR CLASS:
INTRO TO GUITAR - Students entering grades 4-9 who have never played the guitar before
INTRO TO THE ORCHESTRA - Students entering grades 4-7 who have never played an orchestra instrument before.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED STRING ORCHESTRAS - Students entering grades 4-12 with a minimum of 1 year experience playing violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. Audition is optional. Students interested in the chamber music track will select this option and submit an audition.
BEGINNING HARP BOOTCAMP - Students entering grades 7-12 with a minimum of 1 year experience playing a different instrument.
COST & WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Non-refundable $250 registration covers instruction, sheet music, basic supplies for instruction and recreation, camp t-shirt, and final performance on Thursday at 3:00 pm. The concert is FREE and open to all family and friends.
There is no additional charge for instrument rental for our beginning level students and for experienced musicians who reserve an instrument by May 15th.
Lunch is not provided. Please pack a peanut-free lunch and drink. Food deliveries are not permitted. Student drivers may not leave campus for lunch.
Parents / guardians must provide prompt transportation to and from camp each day. Busses will not be available.
We do not offer refunds or pro-rated registration fees for absences.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
June 1, 2026 or when classes reach capacity.
Intro to the Guitar and Intro to the Orchestra tend to fill quickly. Once full, we will start a waiting list.
REGISTRATION LINK:
PAYMENT:
Payment is due at the time of registration. To secure your spot, payment must be received within 7 days of registration please. We cannot hold seats without payment.
ONLINE PAYMENT LINK - Please don't forget to fill out the above registration link. For students outside of Chesterfield, please put "N/A" as the student ID number.
OR make checks payable to "James River HS" and mail to:
Please put your child's name in the memo line.