We recently spoke with Sonya Belew, Chief Operating Officer and HR Director of Camp Courageous, about the transformative impact of outdoor musical instruments installed at the camp in 2021.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation below to hear how music is making a difference every day at Camp Courageous:
Located in Iowa, Camp Courageous serves nearly 10,000 campers year-round, offering recreational, respite, and travel programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Since 1972, the camp has been dedicated to finding innovative, inclusive approaches to meet the needs of campers with a wide range of physical and educational needs.
In 2021, Camp Courageous created a dedicated Music Park by installing 12 outdoor musical instruments from Percussion Play, including:
These instruments are used during group music sessions, spontaneous play, and transition periods between camp activities. They promote exploration of sound, rhythm, and melody in a way that’s accessible and engaging for all campers.
Sonya Belew reflects on the lasting quality and positive impact of the instruments:
“We do cover them in the winter, but we’ve been really happy with the quality and durability of the instruments. The colors are still as vibrant as when we bought them, and even though they’re used intensively year-round, they still look beautiful and sound perfect.”
She adds:
"Music-making has a profound impact on our campers—fostering creativity, enhancing emotional expression, coordination, and concentration. Most importantly, it brings people together in a shared, joyful experience.”
The Music Park isn’t just for campers. Counselors actively participate in the music-making experience, guiding and supporting campers as they explore each instrument. Even members of the local community stop by to join in, often bringing their own instruments to play side by side with campers.
Don’t miss our full conversation with Sonya Belew in the podcast above. It’s an inspiring look at how music fosters connection, confidence, and community—and how outdoor musical instruments can change lives, one note at a time.
Explore our Stepping Stones, available in six musical chords! Perfect for enhancing walkways and play areas, they offer an engaging and entertaining experience for everyone.
Enhance your outdoor space with the Bell Lyre, a stunning instrument of 8 stainless-steel bells. Accessible and easy to play, it offers delightful sounds for everyone.
Experience the joy of music with our Diatonic Tembos, crafted from stainless steel and tuned to the C-major scale. Perfect for all ages, they offer quirky, deep sounds.
Discover the enchanting Babel Drum, a unique hand drumming experience. Perfect for all ages, it offers soothing melodies and is ideal for outdoor installations.
Experience the striking Tubular Bells, crafted for exceptional resonance and deep tones. Ideal for inclusive playgrounds, they enhance outdoor areas with sensory-rich sound.
Discover the Cavatina outdoor xylophone, featuring vibrant rainbow anodized aluminum notes. Perfect for musicians of all ages, it promises endless fun and creativity.
Create your own outdoor Music Book by selecting four double-sided sheets from our collection. Enjoy learning eight favorite songs with family and friends!
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