The pandemic has impacted if and how the Music Camp at The International Peace Garden has operated over the past two summers.

The camp will return in 2022 with a full slate of sessions starting on June 19. The sessions focus on areas like music, theatre, dance, visual arts and creative arts.

Camp co-director Tim Baumann looks forward to having youth back at the camp this coming summer.

“2022 is going to be out first summer back to in person camping in two years. So in 2020 we didn’t operate at all and in 2021 we had online programming available and some in person day camps across North Dakota but nothing took place at the Peace Gardens.”

Baumann says they feel good heading into this summer. ‘We know there will be changes and hurdles ahead but we have a lot of tools at our disposal to keep everyone safe and to keep it a safe and positive experience for everyone. We are very, very optimistic about returning to in person camping.

Before covid hit the music camp hosted about 2,000 campers per summer with an average of 300 per week over the six and a half weeks the sessions ran at the Peace Garden.

“Post covid we are expecting a lower number just knowing some people will have hesitations about large group settings and for some there will be financial considerations. We are focused on making it a vibrant fun experience for everyone there” said Baumann.

The 2,000 registrants is usually made up of roughly 40 per cent Canadian youth and 60 per cent from the United States. Tim Baumann says there’s also a small number of international students.

“We rely on a teaching faculty of about 180 and another 60 support staff.”

Registration for the 2022 International Music Camp is now open and available online.