Shell Lake Arts Center Summer Camps
Shell Lake Arts Center, 802 First Street, Shell Lake, WI 54871
About
Shell Lake Arts Center Summer Camps offers focused weeks in trumpet, trombone, jazz, music production, saxophone, vocal techniques, concert band, piano, rock band, show choir, guitar and bass, drumset, music theatre, drawing and painting, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, and creative writing. Campers can also take part in activities such as aquatics, dance, instrumental workshops, piano tuning, woodwind and brass repair, jazz ensemble and combo, improvisation and techniques, concert band, show choir, music production, musical theatre, film camp, textile and fiber arts, ceramics, photography, and additional painting and drawing sessions.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Registration opens October 1, 2025, with 2026 camps running in weekly and short sessions from June 7–12, June 14–19, June 21–26, June 28–30, July 5–10, July 12–17, July 19–24, July 25–31, and August 2–7
Fifty-six years ago a local music teacher recognized the need for a regional educational arts center, and the Shell Lake Arts Center now notes “58 Years and counting.” The Shell Lake Arts Center reports that its summer camps and workshops are some of the longest-running programs of their kind in the United States and that they have welcomed students from 49 states and over 20 countries, serving 50,000 students. The Center states that it offers instruction from world-renowned instructors, with about 80 faculty visiting annually and 24 known faculty and alumni Grammy Awards. Its mission includes accelerating learning with relevant and meaningful courses of study for youth and adult students of all ages, strengthening community connections through diverse and creative opportunities, and championing teaching by promoting personal and professional growth that builds strong music and arts education programs.
The Shell Lake Arts Center notes that it provides premium arts and music experiences for its students and its community and that scholarships are made possible by family and friends, community partners, and school organizations, with more than 120 scholarships given annually. As a non-profit organization, it relies on a cadre of volunteers to support programming throughout the year and maintains a Wall of Honor recognizing individuals with exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions in music and the arts. The Erika Quam Memorial Theatre is a 100-seat theater converted from an old Methodist Church and has hosted over 90 plays, musicals, and concerts during its 29-year history, and the Artist in Residence Program makes it possible for area artists to use various venues in exchange for work supporting Art Center programs. The Act II Capital Campaign is in place to fund full renovations of Art Center facilities and lodgings.
One student, Ryan V., describes Shell Lake as one of the top highlights of summer, mentioning activities such as ultimate Frisbee, swimming at the beach, meeting new people, and learning music in Shell Lake. A concert band student reports learning skills to improve as both a musician and a person during a week at camp. Percussionist Andrew Fockel, drummer with bassist Kyle Eastwood’s group, calls Shell Lake Jazz Camp one of the most important experiences in his musical life and describes the faculty as “absolutely top notch” and caring that students grow musically and have a great time.
Last updated February 28, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Registration opens October 1, 2025, with 2026 camps running in weekly and short sessions from June 7–12, June 14–19, June 21–26, June 28–30, July 5–10, July 12–17, July 19–24, July 25–31, and August 2–7
Fifty-six years ago a local music teacher recognized the need for a regional educational arts center, and the Shell Lake Arts Center now notes “58 Years and counting.” The Shell Lake Arts Center reports that its summer camps and workshops are some of the longest-running programs of their kind in the United States and that they have welcomed students from 49 states and over 20 countries, serving 50,000 students. The Center states that it offers instruction from world-renowned instructors, with about 80 faculty visiting annually and 24 known faculty and alumni Grammy Awards. Its mission includes accelerating learning with relevant and meaningful courses of study for youth and adult students of all ages, strengthening community connections through diverse and creative opportunities, and championing teaching by promoting personal and professional growth that builds strong music and arts education programs.
The Shell Lake Arts Center notes that it provides premium arts and music experiences for its students and its community and that scholarships are made possible by family and friends, community partners, and school organizations, with more than 120 scholarships given annually. As a non-profit organization, it relies on a cadre of volunteers to support programming throughout the year and maintains a Wall of Honor recognizing individuals with exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions in music and the arts. The Erika Quam Memorial Theatre is a 100-seat theater converted from an old Methodist Church and has hosted over 90 plays, musicals, and concerts during its 29-year history, and the Artist in Residence Program makes it possible for area artists to use various venues in exchange for work supporting Art Center programs. The Act II Capital Campaign is in place to fund full renovations of Art Center facilities and lodgings.
One student, Ryan V., describes Shell Lake as one of the top highlights of summer, mentioning activities such as ultimate Frisbee, swimming at the beach, meeting new people, and learning music in Shell Lake. A concert band student reports learning skills to improve as both a musician and a person during a week at camp. Percussionist Andrew Fockel, drummer with bassist Kyle Eastwood’s group, calls Shell Lake Jazz Camp one of the most important experiences in his musical life and describes the faculty as “absolutely top notch” and caring that students grow musically and have a great time.
Last updated February 28, 2026.
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