Feel your writing skills improve day by day. Learn skills and techniques to enhance your musical talents, tastes, and abilities. Your writing sessions are designed to balance your skills in a complimentary way with other writers, artists, and producers.
This camp is a safe space to be vulnerable and share your passion for creativity and music.
From start to finish, you will learn the tools used by professional songwriters to create hit songs and engage in interactive workshops that challenge you to develop your craft.
Tap into your creative potential and develop a concrete strategy to position you, the songwriter, where you want to be. By the end of the camp, you’ll have a songwriting family with a musical toolbox to serve you throughout your career.
Enjoy summer afternoons exploring Shell Lake with fellow campers. Visit Shell Lake beach, shops, and our beautiful hiking trails. Our counseling staff lead evening activities, continuing creativity and collaboration.
July 2 @ 2:00 pm - July 7 @ 3:00 pm
For students completing grades 6-12; Adult Registration as commuter only and with instructor consent.
Final Concert:
Friday, July 7 - Time TBA
Gary Rue
and is the creator and co-creator of more than 90 music theater scores with over 2000 local, regional, national and international performances.
Rue is the composer (and vocalist) for the Mall of America’s “There’s a Place For Fun In Your Life” (also guitar/co-producer), Paul Wellstone’s 1996 campaign theme “We Can Do Better” (also guitar/music director), Isaac Misrahi’s Target campaign “Cross Country” (also arranger/co-producer), and Hormel Co. “Pam, Don’t Take My SPAM” (also guitar/co-producer). In addition, his original compositions have been recorded by Nick Lowe, “Everyone” (From Columbia Records “The Rose of England”), Helen Reddy, “Lost In the Shuffle” (From her European Greatest Hits collection), and Prudence Johnson; “Tell Me Lies”.
Mr Rue has spent his life in the music industry as a touring musician, band leader, Music Director, Arranger, Producer, Composer in Residence and lecturer. He was on the faculty of McNally Smith College of Music His talents have been recognized in the music industry.
Questions? Feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Accommodations ~ Lodges are available for the duration of the camp session. They are supervised by a professional counseling staff on duty 24 hours each day and meals are prepared under the supervision of a state-approved dietitian.
Commuter students are expected to remain at camp until the day's activities are completed (Typically 9:am-8pm).
Registrations ~ Online registrations are accepted until the camp is full. Students may be placed on a waiting list if desired. A camp registration form is sent after payment is received. All cancellations must be made in writing and received 3 weeks in advance of the start of camp for a full refund. A $75.00 fee will be deducted from your refund. Refunds less than three weeks before camp will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Residential Tuition~Our student tuition is $725 per student and includes instructional fees, room and board and a camp t shirt which will be worn at the final performance. Please refer to the registration materials found on our registration site at Ultracamp for complete details. A $100 down payment is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance can be paid at the time of registration or in equal monthly installments. All Tuition must be paid before arrival at camp.
Commuter Tuition~This option is for campers that want to attend our camps but not stay in our dorms, The $400 tuition covers instructional fees, a camp T-Shirt which will be worn at the final performance, meals, and evening activities. Commuters arrive for their first class by 9AM, and can be picked up any time after evening activities conclude (usually around 8pm).
Scholarships ~Each year, the Arts Center raises funds for the scholarship program. If you are interested in applying for an Arts Center scholarship, please visit our website
Check-in/Check-out~Check in begins at 2pm on Sunday of the week your camp begins. All medical, dietary, and consent forms must be completed in UltraCamp before arriving at camp. Additional information will be emailed to you approximately 4 weeks before camp begins.
Additional Information ~ To request disability accommodations, or other special requests, please contact the Arts Center at least two weeks in advance of camp. More information about camp and all of the opportunities available at the Shell Lake Arts Center can be found on our website.
Participants are admitted without regard to race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. The Shell Lake Arts Center is an inclusive organization, and we accept all artists and musicians.