As a hospice music therapist, my colleagues and I always looked forward to that one weekend a year when we would get a chance to step out of the hospitals and nursing homes and share music with grieving children at the annual bereavement camp. This one weekend looked very different from our normal work day, surrounded by children of all ages and energy levels. During this weekend we would have the opportunity to help the kids create music and express themselves through re-writing lyrics, creating art projects to music and playing drums in a group setting.
As a private practice music therapist I see that the benefit of music therapy at camp extends far beyond grieving children. I had no idea how many speciality camps existed here in South Florida. There seems to be a thoughtful and specialized camp experience available for every need imaginable. As I stop and think about what it means to be at “camp”, with others who are going through similar experiences as yourself, here is why I think music therapy works so well:
Music is inviting – Have you ever been to a camp where you didn’t know anyone? I have. The first few minutes can be very difficult. Like walking in a cafeteria without a table to sit at. Beginning a camp with a therapeutic music experience, like a drum circle, is a great way to bring campers together in a non-threatening way. Starting the camp experience with a rhythm activity will be especially uniting because rhythm is something that connects us all, regardless of age, race, diagnosis or culture. There is no right or wrong way to engage in rhythm. Rhythm is something that belongs to all humans.
Music is connecting – To me, the primary goal throughout the process of a camp week/weekend seems to be connection. While achieving personal goals is important during camp, the connection you make with fellow campers is where the real growth takes place. Experiencing music through song writing, active music making, dancing and lyric analysis provides campers with a fun, safe environment in which to share their individual creativity while being a part of a community. While engaging in music, campers have the opportunity to escape their reality and connect with others because of music, not because of a shared diagnosis, socio-econimic status, loss, etc.
Music is fun – Let’s face it. We can talk about science and research and areas of the brain all day long but it doesn’t take a neurologist or a music therapist to know that music is just plain fun and (just about) everyone loves music. If a camp hires an entertainer or features volunteer musicians, odds are, the campers will have fun! The difference between a volunteer musician or a hired entertainer and a board certified music therapist is that while a camper is working with a MT-BC, they can both have fun AND work on non-musical goals. Music therapy is a successful treatment option because often times, clients don’t even realize they are receiving therapy. Campers can achieve personal and group goals such as improved communication, emotional expression, improved range of motion and enhanced self-esteem all while “having fun”. Win win!
If you are interested in featuring a professional music therapy program at your next camp, please contact us at bree@catpb.flywheelsites.com or (561) 747-9944. We look forward to making music with you!