FLANKERs, ST. JAMES— The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Flankers, recently concluded its inaugural summer music camp, transforming two weeks of summer vacation into an impactful journey of musical discovery, personal retention, and youth ministry. Held from July 27 to August 7 under the theme “From Notes to Ministry” (inspired by Psalm 150), the camp set out to demonstrate that music is far more than a skill—it is a God-given gift meant to be developed in service to others.
What began as a leap of faith quickly grew beyond expectations. Organized without an initial fixed budget, the camp relied heavily on faith and grassroots community engagement. Though registration initially capped at 15 participants, word of mouth quickly spread—drawing campers from as far as the neighboring parish of Hanover. By the end of the first week, enrollment surged to 27 children. Following final skill assessments, 19 dedicated campers successfully met the advancement criteria to graduate..
Campers pay close attention to instructor Oshea Daniel during a hands-on keyboard session at the SDA Church, Flankers, inaugural summer music camp. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Beyond Music: A Mission of Retention
For organizer Shackelia Campbell-Robinson, the vision for the camp was sparked by a desire to address church retention and reconnect with a former church member. Despite not being musically inclined herself, she felt called to move from identifying challenges within youth retention to creating a direct solution.
"You are always talking about the problem, but never coming up with a solution," Robinson recalled, reflecting on her motivation. "This is our solution... creating a space where children look forward to something. As the Bible says, if you train them, even if they leave, the word of God will never leave them."
Robinson added, "Growing up in the church, so many people poured into us, and now that we are in a position to pour into others, we have to."
A central win of the initiative was re-engaging a former church member to serve as an instructor, helping him rediscover his passion for mentorship and ministry through music.
“All along I was gifted, but this camp allowed me to realize how much I have to give back,” he expressed.
Voice instructor Moyer-Lee Gordon leads young participants through vocal exercises during a group training session at music camp. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Building Foundations and Unearthing Talent
Throughout the program, campers received instruction in foundational theory, vocal harmony, piano, and drums. Beyond technical proficiency, the curriculum prioritized nurturing confidence, discipline, teamwork, and spiritual purpose.
Instructors witnessed remarkable transformations in a short period. Drum instructor Fitzroy Robinson highlighted the mutual growth experienced by both teachers and students during the daily sessions.
"My experience at the camp was very enjoyable and rewarding," Fitzroy Robinson shared. "As a teacher, I learned the importance of patience, encouragement, discipline, and creating a fun learning environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the children’s growth."
A young camper practices on an electronic drum kit during practical instruction at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Flankers, inaugural summer music camp. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Teaching young students to use their voices proved to be both a challenge and a learning experience for voice instructor Moyer-Lee Gordon. By meeting each child at their individual skill level, Gordon guided the students to recognize their unique strengths. For some, the journey uncovered a knack for music, while for others, it revealed a confidence in spoken delivery.
The impact was felt directly by the campers. "The music camp was good. I learned proper breathing techniques, important dos and don'ts for singing, and how to hit high notes," shared Dalia, one of the participating campers. "I love to sing; I just came to the camp to enhance my talent."
The camp culminated in a graduation ceremony where participants demonstrated their newfound abilities—playing full songs on the piano and drum kit, and performing synchronized vocal harmonies.
Looking Ahead
Weeks after the final notes were played, enthusiasm remained high among participants and parents alike, with many already inquiring about the next session.
"Building on this debut success, our plan is to make the music camp an annual program," said Robinson. "In the coming year, we want to expand the variety of instruments we offer and create a clear pathway for both our returning campers and newcomers to keep building on their foundational skills."