Singing and Ringing Camp
with First Church Arts
A week-long summer day camp
for children entering grades 2-8!
June 9-13, 2025
About the Camp:
Led by talented and experienced faculty, our week-long camp offers children the opportunity to explore choral singing, handbells, and ChoirChimes, all while learning the basics of music theory in a fun and supportive environment. Campers will experience the two magnificent pipe organs at First Church, including a chance to play both instruments and even assemble a small pipe organ themselves! We’ll also take a special field trip to the Columbus Museum of Art, adding a creative spark to the week. Along the way, campers will grow in teamwork, leadership, collaboration, confidence, and musical expression—and, of course, make plenty of new friends.
Tuition:
Tuition for the weeklong camp is $175. An early bird discounted rate of $150 is available to those who register before May 19. We ask for a non-refundable $50 deposit at signup.
Spaces Available:
Registration is limited to 30 students for the week, allowing us to maximize attention to each camper.
Scholarships:
We never want financial needs to be a barrier to education! Scholarships are available to those in need. Applications are available on our website.
Requirements:
This camp is open to any student entering grades 2-8. No prior musical experience is necessary, but we want campers who are enthusiastic about learning to sing and ring together! Though this is a church-sponsored event, and some music sung will be sacred in nature, this camp is open to children and families of any or no faith background. We expect registrants to attend all five days of camp, and do not offer partial-week registration.
Food:
We ask campers to bring their own lunches for the week. Snacks will be provided, as will an afternoon pizza party after our closing performance for friends and family. Allergen restrictions will be emailed to all families prior to the start of camp.
Accommodations:
We will make every effort to meet your child’s educational needs. If your child requires special accommodation, please call or email us. Please note that the facilities at First Church are historic and parts of the building are not accessible to those with mobility challenges.
Requirements:
No prior musical experience is required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! This camp is open to all children entering grades 2-8, regardless of faith background, and we warmly welcome families of any or no religious affiliation. Financial assistance is available to anyone in need.
A Typical Day at Camp:
8:45-9:00 Camper Drop Off
9:00-9:15 Gathering Time
9:15-10:15 Session 1
10:15-11:15 Session 2
11:15-12:15 Session 3
12:15-12:45 Lunch (BYO!)
12:45-2:00 Activity
2:00-2:45 Full Group Choir
2:45-3:00 Wrap up
3:00-3:15 Camper Pick Up
For Sessions 1, 2, and 3, campers will be divided into smaller groups for rotations with Singing, Ringing, and Music Theory.
Faculty:
Joshua Stafford, Minister of Music at First Congregational Church, is a much sought after organist, choral conductor, improviser, and silent film accompanist. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and Yale University, Joshua was the winner of the 2016 Longwood Gardens International Competition. Joshua also serves as Director of Sacred Music and Organist at Chautauqua Institution in western New York.
Jennifer Fry, Director of Handbells at First Congregational Church and Worthington Presbyterian Church, has a long and distinguished career with handbell choirs, serving as both a conductor and ringer. She has directed handbell choirs for many area churches, including Church of The Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville, Worthington United Methodist Church, and Maple Grove United Methodist Church. She received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Otterbein College.
Dr. Sandra Mathias was the founder and artistic director of Columbus Children’s Choir for its first 25 years in operation. Through her endless commitment to Columbus Children’s Choir, “Dr. M.” impacted the lives of countless young musicians. Sandra has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). This accolade, awarded on March 7, 2025, is a testament to her decades-long commitment to Kodály-inspired music education and her profound influence on generations of students and educators.
Tuition:
Tuition for the week is $175 per camper. An early bird $25 discount is available until May 19. This fee should not be a barrier for any camper. Financial assistance is available to any who need it. Please email us to request financial assistance.