Jazz Camp West

COVID-19 Requirements

Jazz Camp West has always been an intergenerational community that cares deeply about the health and safety of everyone involved. As we are getting closer to camp, we have been paying close attention to the information coming out around COVID-19. Our community will be composed of children through seniors and many of our participants will be immunocompromised. We recognize not everyone has the same perspective about the virus and the vaccinations. However, with everyone’s safety in mind, we remain committed to airing on the side of caution.

The following are our requirements and recommendations.

EVERYONE

REQUIRED - All people regardless of age MUST show proof of a negative rapid test taken the morning of camp. Please bring the result in a zip lock bag with your name on it with you to registration.

• REQUIRED - All people regardless of age must bring 3 additional rapid tests with you to camp. We will be having the entire camp test at least 2x during the week. Additional tests will be used in case of an outbreak of COVID-19.

• RECOMMENDED AND ENCOURAGED - We recommend and encourage that everyone on site (campers, faculty, and staff) be fully vaccinated to the extent they can based on their individual situation.

  
  

• STRONGLY RECOMMENDED - Science shows that vaccinations lose effectiveness after 5-6 months. If you have not received all available vaccines and your most recent vaccination will fall outside of a 3-month period before camp, we strongly recommend receiving an additional booster or the Bivalent booster. We understand for all those that have received the Bivalent booster, that at this time, there are no additional boosters available. 

• REQUIRED If you are flying in for Jazz Camp, we REQUIRE that you wear an N95 mask on the plane and when you are walking through the airport and highly trafficked indoor areas.

  
  

• OPTIONAL: All camp participants have the option of wearing a mask during the week of camp. This will be left to individual discretion.

What Happens If I Get COVID-19?
In the event that a camper contracts COVID-19 right before the start of camp and provides proof of infection, a full refund will be made minus $100 from their deposit.

In the event a camper had COVID-19 and is no longer contagious, we require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a doctor's confirmation.

Changes & Cancellations: Living Jazz reserves the right to make changes or cancellations due to the most current CDC and American Camp Association recommendations. Campers and staff will be notified as soon as possible if any changes occur. 

We are paying close attention to COVID-19 rates, hospital capacities, American Camp Association, and CDC guidelines. 

Thank you for your understanding. Jazz Camp West is making every effort to provide a safe camp environment for all.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation
All Jazz Camp West registrations include a $100 non-refundable fee. If you cancel after May 31, 2025, only 50% of the registration fee will be returned.

Siden Cancellations

The Siden Conference Center is an independent, offsite facility that Living Jazz rents for the convenience of our Jazz campers, and we are required to pay for the rooms up front. For Siden cancellations made AFTER May 15, 2025, we reserve the right to withhold the full cost of the room (on top of the $100 non-refundable fee) in the event that we are unable to find a last minute replacement. For Siden cancellations made prior to May 15 and/or once a replacement is confirmed, we will refund all but the $100 non-refundable fee.

Refunds
There will be no refunds for “no shows”. 
Limited tickets. All sales are taken on a first-come/first-served basis.

Is there Wi-Fi?

There are designated areas where there are WiFi - However, we encourage campers to take the week to disconnect from the internet and enjoy the fullness of a digital free-camp experience.

Can I bring drugs and/or alcohol?

YMCA Jones Gulch policy states, that the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by user group participants is prohibited. There will not be alcohol for sale during the camp.

Can I smoke during the camp?

YMCA Jones Gulch is a smoke free facility and smoking is prohibited in all buildings by state law. Smoking and vaping is not allowed in cabin villages, the dining hall, trails, program areas or entrance to any of the buildings. Please ask us at check-in for the designated smoking/vaping area.

I have mobility issues, can I still attend the camp?

Jones Gulch, a stunning redwood grove, is a very large, spread out site. In some areas there may be uneven ground or slight inclines. There may be as much as 5-10 minutes of walking required between activities. We do not provide shuttles between locations. If you experience mobility issues please email with questions or concerns: info@livingjazz.org.

What do I need to bring to camp?

Once registered you will automatically receive a order confirmation that includes a detailed list of items to bring to camp that include, clothing, supplies and more!

What is the weather typically like?

Please note that all concerts/events are outdoors. Typical Pescadero weather is usually cool in the morning, very warm midday, and again cool (or cold) at night. We are in a redwood grove not far from the ocean. Weather can be extremely hot or cold, so be prepared for both with appropriate attire for varying temperatures.

Housing

Jazz Camp West is held at a YMCA camp offering a myriad of cabins with approximately 6-9 bunk beds in each. All cabins have electricity and heating. In most cases, campers will have both the top and bottom bunk, except for our minors who may share bunkbeds depending on enrollment. You can place your belongings on either bed and use the other for sleeping. Sarah Vaughan cabins have a shared bathroom with shower. Thelonius Monk Cabins have a central bathroom close by. Campers will have the use of any public bathroom facility on site.

All cabins are arranged by gender and age. All of our minors (campers under 18 years of age) are housed in Thelonius Monk cabins. There will be a "Teen Point Person" housed in our minor cabins.

We do our best to house people carrying heavy instruments in a location that might be closest to where their classes will be held. If you have a roommate request, feel free to let us know and we will make sure to house you together. If you know that you snore, please let us know in advance so that we can discuss best options so that everyone can sleep well.

Many people prefer to camp throughout the week. Tent camping affords privacy and quiet. We have two tent camping options available.

1.     Glamping includes a family size tent already set up for you on the Wasiata Ball field containing two cots with mattresses, table and a lantern. The Wasiata Ball field is on the far side of camp and is very quiet and private.

2.     Tent Camping/RV - There are two ball fields on site for those wishing to pitch their own tent. Ball field locations will be provided at registration. Anyone interested in camping will need to bring their own tents and camping necessities such as tarps for under your tent, sleeping pads, cots, etc. Please Note: We do not provide electricity for tent campers. Consider bringing a battery operated lantern.

Food

YMCA Camp Jones Gulch provides the food for us during the week of camp. Food is served buffet style and there is always a vegetarian and gluten free alternative. Every lunch and dinner has a salad bar and there is always fresh fruit available. Meals are well rounded and robust, often with fresh bread. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and each evening after our faculty concert, the kitchen prepares a yummy dessert such as cookies or brownies. The menu for the week of camp will be prepared a few weeks in advance of the week, and if you have particular questions, you can e-mail or call.

If you have a particular food concern, we cannot prepare special meals for individuals. However, there are some refrigerators on site and you are welcome to bring extra food with you to make sure you have whatever you need.

Scholarships/Work Study

Living Jazz has a strong commitment to keeping our program accessible to all students regardless of their financial position.  Approximately 20% of our students receive partial scholarships each year based on financial need alone. All scholarships are considered work-study positions. Anyone receiving a scholarship will be required to sign up for a 1-hour job per day during the week of camp and 2 extra hours to help us close up camp on the final day. Work-study jobs are assigned on the first day of the program. Possible work-study jobs include daily piano maintenance, helping in camp store, dessert and tea service after our evening concerts, clean up crew, converting dining room to dance studio, equipment movers, etc. If you are planning to apply for a scholarship and think you can also arrive early to help set up, let us know. Learn more here.

Ages

Ages range from 15 through seniors. We usually have about 45 teenagers out of approximately 250 students attending the program. Occasionally we will allow someone younger than 15 if they are serious about their music, and are mature enough to be in an adult environment. We house a "Teen Point Person" in both the male and female minor cabins, but we do not provide extra counselors for our teenagers. Parents of all teens must feel comfortable having their child be in an adult setting. Teenagers must be self-motivated, be able to adhere to all camp rules and policies, and enjoy being in a setting where there are mixed ages in classes and cabins. All teenagers and parents will be required to sign a rules and regulations sheet in advance of camp.

The "Teen Point Person" (one for the boys and one for the girls) will meet with all campers under the age of 18 on the first day of the program to get acquainted, answer questions, and go over all rules and regulations. The Teen Point Person will be available to help with any concerns or problems that might arise during our stay at camp.

Schedule of Events

All participants arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 am on the first Saturday. After registration, people can unpack and settle in their cabins. There is an outdoor BBQ at Noon. After lunch there will be a tour of the site at 1:00. There is an all-camp meeting at 2:00 pm where the faculty will be introduced and the program will be explained. After the all-camp meeting, evaluations for the vocal intensive, advanced vocal ensemble, Advanced Instrumental Track, Piano Intensive, Guitar Intensive, and combos will be held. Everyone will be asked to sign up for the classes they would like to take on sheets posted in the dining hall for the rest of the afternoon. Most classes are not limited in size. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and the first faculty concert will be held at 8:00. After the concert, dessert will be served and we will hold our first faculty led jam session.

Classes start in at 9:00 am the following morning. People have the option of taking up to 6 one hour classes per day. Our student performance time (open mic) is held at 5:30 in the amphitheater each day. Dinner is served at 6:30, faculty concerts typically start at 8:00 each evening and we always hold a faculty led jam session in the dining hall after the concert is over.

All participants will stay in the same classes throughout the week. On thursday evening, the final dance performance is held in the dining hall and then we all walk over to the amphitheater for our final Gospel Choir performance, Latin Big Band performance and final dance party! On the final day (Friday), we will hold a half day student performance and outdoor picnic; and things finish up around 2:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend the events on the last day. All work-study students are asked to stay until 5pm to help close up camp.

Arrival and Departure Times

Arrival is between 10am and 11am on first day of camp. Room assignments will be given at Registration upon arrival. If you have a specific roommate request, please email info@livingjazz.org. For those staying at Siden Conference Center, come directly to registration at Jazz Camp to pick up your room key.

The schedule for the final day of camp is the following:

8 am: Breakfast

9 am: Clean Up and Pack Up

10 am – 1 pm: Final student showcase

1 pm: All camp BBQ. Available for guest purchase!

2 pm: Departure

Guests

Jazz Camp West discourages guests visiting during the week. This assures privacy and safety for our participants. If there is a visitor on site, they must check in at the office and all meals must be paid for. Friends and family are encouraged to visit on the final day.
 

Instruments

Jazz Camp West does not provide instruments. There are a limited amount of drum kits and amps for students to use in classes.

ALL CAMPERS MUST BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS.

Drummers, this includes you! We have an indoor drum room (Kellye’s Shed) where you can set up your kit (and rug) for the week. Percussionists – bring your instruments. Electric keyboards are optional. We also have a dedicated piano lab entitled Piedmont Piano Lab).

Don't forget your amplifiers and amp cords, extension cords, guitar strings, reeds, music stands, etc. As well as all class materials: manuscript paper, fake books, recorders, charts, batteries, pens and pencils.

We will be offering an early morning Yoga Class. Please bring your mats.

Dancers - Bring jazz shoes for the jazz class; aerobic shoes for hip-hop, and comfortable shoes for Salsa. All dance classes will be taught on wood floors. Also bring sweatshirts, leotards, tights, sweat pants, etc.

We also suggest bringing a dolly or suitcase carrier with bungee cords for moving heavy instruments around. The site is quite large and you may need to walk quite a distance at times. A carrier with wheels can be very helpful if you have a heavy instrument!

Curriculum

The curriculum for Jazz Camp West will not be complete until 203 weeks before the program begins. Last year's curriculum is now posted on the web and will give you a very good idea of the types of classes we will be offering. If you have a specific question about the curriculum for this year, feel free to inquire.

Have More Questions? Email us info@livingjazz.org.