Summer Camp 2024
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2024 Summer Camp registration is open!
We have 8 weeks of camp. Join us!
Mr. D's Approach to camp
Summer camp at Mr. D's Music Club is all about music, art, dance, creativity, fun, and friends. Not to mention singing, dancing, acting, laughing, trying new things, performing, confidence-building, and all-around silliness. We pride ourselves in offering 8 - 13-year-old* children a stellar camp experience in the performing arts where every child shines.
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Our philosophy embraces pop music across the
decades because:
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Children can relate to great songs on an emotional level.
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We celebrate music, singing, dancing, and acting
as authentic forms of expression.
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We gently introduce music from different genres
(classical, electronic, jazz, world music, etc.) with
the hope that this becomes a starting point for
your child to explore the vast musical universe.
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Each camp has its own unique, fun, and (sometimes)
quirky theme. We intentionally set the themes to reflect the
week's tone, but from there, anything goes. The songs vary from the
cool and unusual to the latest and greatest, and they ALWAYS have soul!
Art, singing, dancing, and acting happen each day, and no two days are alike:
Music: We don't always know which songs the kids will enjoy singing, so we typically start with more than we need and work our way through to the final cut. It's fun to explore the songs with the kids, break them down, practice, and feel the emotions the songs evoke as we progress through the week.
Dance: Professional choreographers design and teach interactive dance routines to the kids centered around the week's theme. Dance styles include hip-hop, modern, jazz, salsa, etc.
Art: The kids work on several art projects related to the camp's theme throughout the week. The completed artwork will be displayed in the camp space for the Friday performance for attendees to view as they come to the big show!
Acting: Kids will play fun theater games, learn improv, act out scenes and get creative with
movement and storytelling. They will work in small groups to rehearse a skit for the Friday
performance. This year we will also have more opportunities for a few campers to work behind
the stage and learn how a production comes together as a team.
Performance: Friday is our performance day!! The performance highlights all the talent the kids
have and the amazing amount of energy and work they put into creating something fun, silly
and endearing for friends and family.
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Friday Pizza Party: The best part of camp for parents? That's right, a pizza
party on Fridays! No need to pack lunch, just some snacks. Kids will have
cheese pizza, lemonade, and a popsicle. Additional fees apply.
The kids are SUPER busy and will be tired but very happy at the end of
their camp day. They are building something - together - for you. We hope
you will join us and see what all the fuss is about.
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2023 Oakland Camp Location:
In the Rockridge District
6013 Lawton Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
(where we've been for several years)
Mr. D's is by far the best summer camp I've sent my child to.
Not only does Mr. D offer relevant and contemporary musical experiences for children (they sing songs they like and can relate to!), but he's a joy to be around. My child gets to connect with her passion for the arts because Mr. D brings his passion and enjoyment everyday. There are so few experiences out there that offer this much life and connection. This camp is a breath of fresh air!
Kasey V., Emeryville, CA - June 2021
*We are happy to talk with families whose children are outside the age range. Please reach out if you'd like to chat.
Read more about our COVID-safe in-person camps.
Register
We use dynamic registration to avoid waitlists. As we near capacity levels, we adjust logistics and staffing to accommodate additional campers. We feel this is the best way to support families as they plan their camp season.
For security purposes you will be requested to log in or create an account prior to selecting your week(s) of camp.
Sibling and multiple camp discoun is applied at checkout if applicable.
2024 Summer Camp Themes*
Off to the Movies! (June 3 - 7)
We love the annual tradition of kicking off our summer camp season with "Off to the Movies!". There's nothing better than watching a great movie with a fantastic soundtrack. And that same experience applies to Mr. D's Music Club! How much better does it get than seeing your kids sing, dance, act, and create art inspired by the movies? We may not have THE red carpet, but our version is pretty great!
One Hit Wonders (June 10 - 14)
We could all be a one-hit-wonder with a bit of luck, a catchy tune, and the right moment at the right time and place. And, really, who wouldn't want to be? Right?! Well, this week, we will celebrate those who got the moment right. In a moment of time and place, something happened for these artists. At Mr. D's Music Club, that happens every week for kids as they find the courage to try for a solo, speak their lines to the audience, see their art on display, and learn choreography created just for them. It may be a one-hit-wonder moment, but it's an experience for the ages.
Bowie Week (June 17 - 21)
The iconic David Bowie (real name David Jones) will be gracing his presence at Mr. D's Music Club this week as we explore his decades of music, discover our favorites, and strut our stuff. We will bring the magical world of David Bowie back into our hearts and minds through skits, dances, singing, and art inspired by his diverse songbook. Plan on hearing some of your favorite Bowie songs this week!
Eurovision (June 24 - 28)
The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Mr. D's Music Club! For those unfamiliar with Eurovision, it is a multi-national songwriting and performing song contest that has delighted European audiences for over 65 years! Families gather in front of their TVs, watch live performances, and see many flops. The costumes are outrageous, the songs hit or miss, and the competition is tough. The likes of Celine Dion (1988 winner (Ne Partez Pas San Moi)), ABBA (1974 winner (Waterloo)) and Loreen (2023 winner (Tattoo)) have participated in the content, but lesser-known artists have created a stir and always a surprise or two each year. This summer, we'll relive the excitement of the Eurovision Song Contest as we create a fun, lively performance for friends and family.
Heroes & Villians (July 15 - 19)
This week is all about opposites: Good v. Bad, Happy v. Sad, Light v. Dark, Warm v. Cold, etc. As kids explore their creativity this week, they will also build their confidence, discover the joy of performing, and experience the warmth and love of an audience applauding for them. The end-of-the-week performance is a special moment for kids. It's always in the final bow where they feel their pride swell. Be ready to clap and cheer!
Goodies, but Oldies (July 22 - 26)
We sometimes think that Pop Music started in the 1960s or later. The fact is that it was the invention of the record player back in 1878 that helped spread the magical sounds of music globally, hence creating the concept of pop music. Pop is short for popular, and great pop songs of today have often become the folk songs of tomorrow. WARNING: MR. D LOVE'S Pop Music of every kind. Anthem Rock, R&B, Electronic, cheesy pop, crooner hits, country, etc…. The choices are endless. Whatever this week's playlist ends up being, it’s pretty much guaranteed that it will take Mr. D's months to create it. He can’t wait!
Sounds of Detroit (July 29 - August 2)
Detroit! Have you ever been? It's an amazing city...the buildings, murals, food, size, art museum, culture, and history are really astounding. Not to mention...the MUSIC! Motown, early punk rock, and techno. Eminem, Diana Ross, Rodriguez, Stevie Wonder, The White Stripes...you get the drift. So much to choose from and so little time!
Decades: The 90s (August 5 - 9)
Need we say more? Although the 90s is technically on the "oldies" radio stations (remember those?). We would argue the 90s is the new 20s. Relevant, reverent, present, emotional, awesome... With our decade themes, we love to bring in the sounds of the decades along with the cultural elements that made those years so poignant. We all have our memories of the 90s, and this week's performance will surely be a blast from the past in the best kind of way - your kids singing the tunes you know so well!
*All themes subject to change as needed
Mr. D’s Music Club is magic! My daughter has always loved music and singing but has been shy to sing around others. This camp has built confidence in not only her ability to stand on stage and sing/perform in front of an audience, but we have noticed she is more outgoing in life. It is also the first camp my daughter has said that she didn’t have anyone mean to her or witness a camper being mean to another person. Instead, everyone seems to rally together, have fun and care about one another. It’s encouraging to see, and I credit each one of Mr. D’s staff for providing the tools to make this camp wonderful.
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~ Justin G., Albany, CA - August 2022