Summer String Academy
Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center, 16170 Manastash Rd., Ellensburg, WA 98926
About
Summer String Academy is a 6-day overnight orchestra camp where campers take part in orchestra rehearsals, large and small ensembles, fiddling, camp activities, and campfire and snacks. Each day includes individual practice time, music theory, and small group time, along with small group sessions with professional musicians. The typical daily schedule runs from wake up at 7:30am through lights out at 9:30pm, with structured times for meals, rehearsals, rest time, and evening activities.
• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Schedule: 6-day overnight camp, July 26–31, 2026, with a structured daily schedule from morning wake up through evening lights out
• Price: Early Bird discount is $710 until April 15, 2026; regular price is $760; a non-refundable, non-transferrable $50 deposit per registration is required unless the event is cancelled; full tuition and all payments are due Sunday, July 19, 2026
Summer String Academy began its inaugural year in August 2015. Campers work with world-class professional musicians, music educators, university professors, and highly experienced camp counselors, and all staff, including orchestra teachers, conductors, instrumentalists, camp staff, and kitchen staff, are described as highly skilled. The leadership team includes Chase and Christi Chang, who are music educators and orchestra directors, camp director Dave Burfiend (also referred to as Dave Burfeind and David Burfeind), and Program Coordinator Mo Hampton. The program states that it believes in educating the whole child socially and emotionally through musical experiences, positive encouragement, friendships, and fun physical outdoor activities, and that it nurtures the whole musician from rehearsal etiquette to healthy relationships. Summer String Academy is a secular camp with no religious activities or influences from its staff. Summer String Academy thanks Camp Director Dave Burfeind and the United Methodist Church for providing the venue and means for the camp. Students are expected to have at least one year of playing experience in their school string program or equivalent. A concert is scheduled on Friday, July 31 at 10:00am in Manastash Lodge.
Last updated January 6, 2026.
• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Schedule: 6-day overnight camp, July 26–31, 2026, with a structured daily schedule from morning wake up through evening lights out
• Price: Early Bird discount is $710 until April 15, 2026; regular price is $760; a non-refundable, non-transferrable $50 deposit per registration is required unless the event is cancelled; full tuition and all payments are due Sunday, July 19, 2026
Summer String Academy began its inaugural year in August 2015. Campers work with world-class professional musicians, music educators, university professors, and highly experienced camp counselors, and all staff, including orchestra teachers, conductors, instrumentalists, camp staff, and kitchen staff, are described as highly skilled. The leadership team includes Chase and Christi Chang, who are music educators and orchestra directors, camp director Dave Burfiend (also referred to as Dave Burfeind and David Burfeind), and Program Coordinator Mo Hampton. The program states that it believes in educating the whole child socially and emotionally through musical experiences, positive encouragement, friendships, and fun physical outdoor activities, and that it nurtures the whole musician from rehearsal etiquette to healthy relationships. Summer String Academy is a secular camp with no religious activities or influences from its staff. Summer String Academy thanks Camp Director Dave Burfeind and the United Methodist Church for providing the venue and means for the camp. Students are expected to have at least one year of playing experience in their school string program or equivalent. A concert is scheduled on Friday, July 31 at 10:00am in Manastash Lodge.
Last updated January 6, 2026.
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