6 Ways Outdoor Musical Instruments Can Harmonize your Camp, Ignite Creativity and Unite Guests

Gathering around a campfire and creating music together is a popular traditional activity that many campers look forward to and consider one of the best parts of their stay. The warmth and ambiance of the fire, along with a lively group sing-along, can bring back cherished memories for many. So what additional benefits can campers derive from making music on outdoor musical instruments, and why is it important for camps to provide them?

1. Effective Tool for Building Camp Community
According to a White Paper published by Percussion Play, music-making in the great outdoors can play a key role in promoting socialization among people. Playing music together can evoke positive feelings and memories, creating connections between people of all ages. Therefore, incorporating music-making in group activities in a camp curriculum is a great way to encourage campers to socialize, even for those who may be hesitant to engage with others.

2. Help Develop Essential Skills
Playing musical instruments is an essential activity for the social development of children. Making music is a fun activity that imparts skills that kids need as they grow. Playing music helps children develop coordination, concentration, memory, and creativity skills. Playing any instrument requires a little practice and perseverance, and these skills are transferable to other aspects of their lives. Playing music with others teaches kids how to work in a team and communicate effectively. These social skills are vital for kids learning and particularly crucial for socializing at camp. When someone feels good, relaxed, and confident, it is easier to connect with others, thereby strengthening the camp community.

3. Accessible Fun for All
Musical parks located within camps can be an excellent source of enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities. Percussion Play has designed its instruments so anyone can play them, regardless of their musical training or skill level. This makes these parks accessible to everyone, including those with diverse needs, such as wheelchair users and individuals on the autism spectrum. As a result, musical parks provide a safe and enjoyable environment where campers of all abilities can have fun and create lasting memories.

4. Uniting Through Music
Music has the power to bring people together, regardless of their background or language barriers. It creates a unique language of its own through rhythm and melody, allowing both musicians and listeners to communicate without words. When camp members are given the chance to come together through music, it promotes familiarity and helps to build connections between them.

5. Boost Mental Health
Creating music can have numerous benefits for the mental health of young people. Studies have shown that it can improve cognitive function, boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety and depression, and encourage social interaction. It also allows individuals to express themselves creatively and develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. Music can serve as an outlet for emotions, helping individuals to work through difficult feelings and experiences. Even without prior musical training, music is an excellent way to express oneself. Outdoor musical instruments offer a fun and spontaneous way to experiment with music without the constraints of traditional scales. These instruments are especially beneficial for camp counselors who aim to introduce their guests to music while fostering creativity and self-expression. Playing music on outdoor instruments amidst nature can help guests express themselves, relax, relieve stress, and feel inspired and uplifted.

6. Unsupervised Musical Exploration
Outdoor musical instruments allow campers to learn new skills and express themselves during their free time at camp. No supervision is necessary, and since the instruments are permanently installed, campers can return at any time, alone or with friends, to improvise, compose, or relax while creating melodies in the great outdoors.

Discover how these four unique camps have creatively incorporated outdoor musical instruments to enhance the experience for their guests by checking out our inspiring Case Studies page.

Camp Grid (Grid Camp