Staff Testimonials

"I first went to NMC the week I turned thirteen. I remember our conductor’s stories about the music - my introduction to music history. I remember hanging out with everyone by the volleyball court before dinnertime. I remember sitting in the theater on a cool August evening, entranced by the visiting performers from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Until then, they had just been a recording to me.

The week I turned eighteen, I went to camp as a member of the music staff. I remember leading a quartet on a sunny afternoon in the field behind the theater. I remember telling bedtime stories to a cabin of giggling little girls. I remember sitting in the theater on a cool August evening, entranced by the fact that I was surrounded by people, young and old, learning about and enjoying music for the sheer love of it.

Kids are impassioned by things that excite them, by things that move them, by things that are fun. National Music Camp succeeds in its mission to educate youth because the camp environment is exciting, moving, fun, and most of all memorable. I have seen many late summer sunsets on Lake Couchiching, each one more beautiful than the next. I find comfort in the idea that many more young musicians might have to opportunity to be inspired by such a supportive and committed community of music and education."

Margot Nossal

"NMC was definitely one of the reasons I became a music teacher. As a camper, I was lifted up by campers, staff and faculty (I remember Bob Robilliard, in particular... so funny, nice, and SMART), and as staff... wow! As staff, I felt I was my true self. I felt accepted; appreciated; and always, always filled with musical joy. NMC is an AMAZING experience... it provides a safe environment to have some serious musical fun. In fact, I loved it so much I came back as rec staff for four years... and now am the Musical Theatre director at Wahanowin. I LOVE NMC!"

Alexis Silver (Hook), Music Staff and Senior Staff

"The best part about being at NMC is sharing such a special time with the campers. I love being a part of their accomplishments, and there is nothing more satisfying than watching a kid have fun. That's what NMC is all about - having fun and reaching new goals. I will always remember the musical theatre campers who can't wait to show off the new dance routines and songs that they've learned at the end of each day. Nor will I forget the joy on campers' faces when they learn a new instrument in just one week, and can perform Louie Louie at the concert for their parents. Its so touching to watch a shy child come out of their shell and be bubbly and giddy with many new friends! It truly is an honour to be part of such an important time in the lives of these young people! Alright, so that's my favourite part about camp! I'm really looking forward to the summer, and I think I will apply to work at camp Kodiak - it sounds like another great camp! I hope you are well, and the cats too! Have you started any seeds yet for your garden? We seem to be getting some warmer weather this week, and its already February; spring is just around the corner!"

Adrienne Moore

"NMC...It's a place where I made some of my happiest memories, met some of my greatest friends, heard some of the most inspiring music and, ate some of the worst food. It's the reason I don't want to grow up, it's also the reason why my heart doesn't. It's become a part of me and who I am, and I'm honored to have been a part of it and helped to make what it is. It will be on my list of things to think about on my death-bed because it represents the times when I was most alive."

Kemin Zhang

"I started my camp years as a camper at IMC (the rival) in 1994, and spent six fantastic (last week of) summers there. 2000 was a transition year - all of my friends were going into university and I was going into oac, so I'd have been the only one going back until Janice and Margot Jewell talked me into being a councilor at nmc. Man was I scared... so many new people, having to take care of kids, as opposed to being the kid... but it was great. So great. The kids are incredible, the faculty is totally supportive, and the staff is golden (awe some, even). Honestly, you're all heroes to me. I had a great time as staff, and after my third summer, Sharon gave me a call. she had this idea for senior staff in training, to keep the transition as smooth as possible... I'll admit, I cried then too. Sharon has always had faith in me, even when I was convinced I'd make a mess of things, and that means so much to me. (Thankyou, Sharon). Last year as senior staff, I was terrified all over again. but like I said, the staff is unbelievable - always offering help, anticipating and avoiding problems and staying positive through difficult issues. Hugs were also key. Camp has always pushed me to do more, to do the things I'm afraid of, as I'm sure it's done for everyone else. For that I am indescribably grateful. "

Erin MacPherson

" All right....I think I've been thinking about this way too long!! :) What can I say about camp?? well, it means so much to me, that I am biting the bullet and flying back to Ontario this summer just for it!! I have missed camp and all you guys SOOO much. Really, that last summer that I was there...just too much :) It was great to meet so many new people, and I hope you are still there when I get back this summer (I enjoyed our chats Mr. Liberty...we'll have to have more!!) So, to my camp story...well, maybe I'll save most of it for the Staff scholarship talk ;) I ended up receiving a matching scholarship for my first summer at camp, and I loved it beyond compare. I learned so much, that it just took me to a whole new level of music, and the biggest journey of my life. After camp, I got a job at McDonalds to try and save for a flute and some lessons since my parents didn't support music. I ended up paying for camp the following summer out of my savings. Again, I wasn't disappointed. The teaching that I got was incredible, and I met many musical mentors. The friends I met were also incomparable. I didn't want to leave. The third summer, I still wanted to take some lessons since I wanted to major in music in univeristy, but still didn't have a flute or a private teacher. I applied for a scholarship, asking for a 3/4 scholarship, thinking that McD's would pay for the rest. I ended up receiving a letter that made me cry. I had been given a full scholarship, and a personal note telling me to put the 1/4 that I was going to pay towards buying my new flute. I ended up going to University for music, and had trouble keeping up. The summer before my 1st year was my first year as staff. After my first year, I was a counsellor for Camp Wahanowin so I could stay for NMC (the only way my dad would agree to me doing NMC). I was upset though that I had problems with ear training in first year (and still do), and completely dejected. Sharon made me feel like I could do anything that summer. She spent five minutes with me doing a couple of voice things....it was incredible. Sharon has always been there, and has always taught me more than I could ever imagine....Thank you more times than I can say Sharon!!! I know this is mushy, but the first summer I couldn't go to camp was hard, and I am dying to go back!! NMC is definately a security blanket for me, and a home away from home. I can't wait to see you all again!!! Thanks for letting me rant on....and congratulations if you read all of this :)"

Scott Cowan

"I can't imagine a summer without NMC - camp has been the defining event of my past six summers (four as a camper and two as staff). In fact, I can't even imagine what my life would look like now without camp, since the fantastic experience of sharing music with other people in such a great environment was a big part of my inspiration to pursue music as a career. NMC is a really amazing place, and anyone who's interested should definitely check it out! Counting the days until camp...."

Angela Morris

"I started at NMC as a camper when I was eleven, and i contiued as a camper until I was 18 when I started teaching on staff. I'm 21 now and can't imagine not spending the last two weeks of August at NMC, with all the people I've pretty much grown up with...It feels like a second home Only a few more months to go! "

Jenna(Butterfly)

"NMC is a second home for me. I was practically born there (seriously, September 8th, thats pretty close!). I started out my NMC experience as a Fac Brat, with nothing to worry about, no musicality, just runnig around chasing my own feet. Since about 2001 I have been percussion Staff. The experience is indescribable. There are so many great people to work with at NMC and lots of great times to be had. I will continue to come to NMC as long as I can because I just can't imagine a summer going by without going to camp. So come on everyone! Come join me and all the other wonderful people on the shores of Lake Couchiching at NMC!"

Matt Ferguson

" I'm fairly new to NMC, only one year as a camper and one year on staff, however I know that I've already easily seen the joy that NMC brings to each person. It was a couple years ago now that Sharon Fitzsimmons came into my highschool to work with our band before a competition and to tell us all about NMC. When she left, my teacher pointed out that I should "most definately" attend. I wanted to, but there was no possible way that I was going to be able to afford to take off for a week and attend a summer camp. That was when I heard about the Staff Scholarship fund. I managed to get a full scholarship that first year, and I was beaming when mom dropped me off at camp. It didn't take long before I recognized what this camp meant to everyone... the new friends, the shared laughs... It quickly became my home away from home. The following year I returned as staff, which was another new experience. It was long before I felt like I'd been there, working camp for years... if you can even call it 'working', I think it's too much fun to be considered work! :) I've met lifelong friends and learned more than I ever thought I could, not only about music but also about myself. It's one of the most amazing experiences ever! I'm already counting down the days to next year... and I do hope that anyone thinking about attending the camp, either as staff or as a camper, will go for it and join me... "

Britt McLeod