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Summer Camp
Covid Approach
For in person summer camps 2023 we are following COVID recommended procedures as set by the CDC, EPA, State of California, County of Alameda and City of Oakland.
This is our second year of offering summer camp during Covid. We had policies in place last summer that made for a safe, fun, and memorable summer camp season, to say the least. In 2022 we will maintain similar policies but also hope that the status of Covid will be stable allowing us some flexibility. However, we are first and foremost committed to creating a safe experience for everyone involved. It should be expected that our approach will change as we near the summer months, but for now, here is how we will approach camp this summer:
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7 Weeks of Camp​
June 5 - 9 - Off to the Movies
June 12 - 16 - Peace &Love
June 19 - 23 - Around the World
June 26 - 30 - Seasons
July 17 - 21 - Silly Pop Songs
July 24 - 28 - Songs of the Sea
July 30 - August 4 - Cool 80's
Camps run 9:00am - 3:30pm PST
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Read more about our camp philosophy and fun camp themes!
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Groups
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Campers will be in a group of 15 - 20 kids based on age. We try to accommodate all friend requests, but we do reserve the right to create the groups that best fit the dynamics of the camp. We currently do not plan on using covid cohorts, however, this may change based on the status of covid at the time of camp.
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The groups will participate in singing, dancing, acting, and art throughout the camp day with different teaching artists. There is also the opportunity to connect with kids outside in other groups during breaks and lunch.
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A typical camp day includes the groups taking turns doing two art forms in the morning, with plenty of time for transitions and a snack. Lunch will be outside with groups alternating days to a nearby park. The afternoon will be the two remaining art forms for the groups as well as transition and snack time.
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The Arts​​
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Campers will participate in singing,
dancing, acting, and art each day.
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Professional Teaching Artists will
share their art form through fun,
creative activities and inspire the kids
to try new things during the camp.
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Some of the arts will be outside in shaded areas.
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Arts taking place inside are in a 3000 sf room (400 person capacity), with doors open and ventilation. The kids will practice social distancing to the best of their ability.
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Mr. D's Music Club is a full participation camp. This means campers do not have the option to opt-out of an art form. We understand some of this can feel scary to the kids, but they become comfortable very quickly as they participate with their peers.
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We plan on hosting a Friday afternoon in-person performance inside each week. This will include singing, dancing, and acting, plus an art gallery. We reserve the right to adjust as necessary based on the status of covid. If that happens, we will then have a morning and afternoon performance on Friday. This worked surprisingly well in 2021, however, it is our preference to do one big show (it's so much fun!) :)
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COVID-Safe
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Masks are optional at camp, except for when campers are singing indoors. Campers are always welcome to take mask breaks outside at any point during camp. We will update our mask policy in accordance with changes to Alameda County Public Health Mandates.
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Regular hand washing throughout the day, but always before snack/lunch, after the restroom, and at the end of the camp day.
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Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the camp.
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Social distancing recommendations will be followed.
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All staff and teaching artists will be fully vaccinated prior to the first week of camp.
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Drive through drop-off & pick-up will be implemented.​
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There are lots more details of course. If you have questions, please email info@mrdsmusicclub.com and we would be happy to connect with you.
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20223 Oakland Camp Location:
In the Rockridge District
6013 Lawton Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
(where we've been for several years)
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My child loves Mr D's Camp and came home from Week 1 requesting that I cancel all his other summer camps so that he can do more Mr D's! It is a joy to hear him singing the songs he has learned at camp (non-stop!) and be so excited to perform. Thank you Mr D for bringing this out in him!
Judy l., Piedmont, CA - June 2021
Register
For security purposes you will be requested to log in or create an account prior to selecting your week(s) of camp.
We love everything there is about Mr. D's Music Club! Of any camp we have experienced so far, Mr. D, Hailey, and all the instructors are the best example of positivity, creativity, and meeting the kids where they are. It is such a special program. And the fact that they pull off an actual performance for families - featuring the singing, dancing, acting, and art-making they've focused on all week - is incredible.
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~ Laura B., Oakland, CA - October 2022
In Person Camp Themes
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 & Villains (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
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