OK, who here is a Kamp veteran?

[Nanessence]

I'm saving money this year to go next year. It's a long trip from northeast PA, but Steve and the group of super talents he's put together as instructors will be well worth it. Has anyone been there? What's the inside scoop on camp week? Was it all you thought it would be?

[Rick Crenshaw]

Nanessence... why wait??? It is more than an instructional Kamp. It's Field of Dreams for Flatpickers... well, except that the flatpicking heros aren't dead yet.

[Nanessence]

Field of Dreams - that's good! Here's one reason I'm waiting...the past winter was a tough one. I'm going to love anticipating and saving for this experience through the next winter. Are you experienced?

[Rick Crenshaw]

I am... and now addicted to Kamp. There is no easy cure... and no desire to cure it.

[Dan Forney]

I've been twice...going back this year. It is unbelievable. A total escape from reality and descent into flatpicking nirvana...or pretty darn close. You won't be sorry
Dan

[Todd Roberts]

I have been there the past 3 summers. The first year was my first year of learning to play at all. It was overwhelming but inpsiring.The next was better as far as learning more and just as inspiring.Last year was the best,knew all the ropes and had more guitar knowledge than the first 2 years so it all made more sense. The best way I can put it is it is like drinking water from a fire hydrant. It will change you... and give you much to think about and practice. Voice record ALL the classes, you will NOT remember it all.

[Nanessence]

That's a great tip - to voice record all the classes. After all, you can't take notes...unless you have a third hand, that is!

[Chris Thiessen]

Nanessence, it's an even farther trip to Kamp from central Iowa (two days on the road), but having gone last year and the year before, I've found it to be the epiphanic experience you want as a flatpicker. Sure, the classes are fantastic and the nightly concerts are great, but the people you meet are the best part. I'll have to miss this year (sigh) but will be returning next year. And you definitely want to get a voice recorder to get the class content. I'm a great note taker, but handwritten notes just don't cut it.

[Nanessence]

Hi Chris,
Just curious....how did you get started in flatpicking...and where did you hear about Kamp?

[Chris Thiessen]

I started playing back during the Great Folk Scare of the early 60s, and then encountered bluegrass (and flatpicking) incidentally when I was at the University of Florida in 1975. Been stuck ever since. Heard of Kaufman's Kamp through Flatpick-L and FGM simultaneously about 8 years ago, and first attended 3 years ago.

[Mike Hennessy]

I've been once, can't go this year, but will go again. Perhaps the best way to get the flavor of this experience is to head over to flatpick-l (http://listserv.nodak.edu/archives/flatpick-l.html) and look up Skip Staples. He writes a not-so-short memoir of his experience every year. Well worth reading. Shoot him an e-mail and he'll send it to you. Great way to get to "know" the regulars.

[Gary Collier]

Nan,

Just save $15 a week and you'll have next year's tuition! My first Kamp trip as a Kamper was in 2006. I missed '07 and am headed back this year. Kamp '06 remains one of the best weeks I've ever spent anywhere doing anything. If you love this music then you'll fall hard for Kamp.

The instructors are first-class. The nightly concerts are amazing. The jamming going on everywhere across kampus is sooooo much fun.

But what you take home are friendships and memories of the great people. Folks who I barely spent time with in '06 still stay in touch, for example. It's something you need to do... the sooner the better, for YOU!

Gary Collier
Albany, Ga.

[Nanessence]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the reply. What you describe is exactly what I am seeking. How joyful!

I took lessons for seven months from a teacher who really got my motor running. He didn't know much about flatpicking at the time, but subscribed to FGM after I began taking lessons. Using the criteria in Steve's Kamp brochure, he placed me between Beginner and Intermediate. I would really like to be solidly Intermediate when I attend Kamp because for me the joy is in playing with others to create that special sound.

I'm putting $20 in my Kamp envelope today!