CAPE MAY – The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey Choir Camp will present its Choral Evensong Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Church of the Advent, corner of Washington and Franklin streets.
Entering its 25th year, the Choir Camp brings together students from around the state, including Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Woodbridge, and Englewood. Diane Caruso, music director of Trinity Church in Asbury Park, and Mark Trautman, music director of St. Paul’s Church in Englewood have taken on the leadership roles as the camp undergoes a rebuilding phase.
“We’ve both come together, and under Diane’s leadership, reformulated the program,” said Trautman. “A lot of the children who come to this have never had a camp experience or even an experience away from home.”
The children arrived in the city on July 28, and they will depart following the concert on Aug. 1. For some of the children, Choir Camp lets them experience the ocean for the first time.
“I like how we work all day in the morning really hard on our pieces and then at the end of the day we get to go to the beach or go out and do scavenger hunts,” said Parker McAllen.
But the camp isn’t just singing and trips to the beach. The children are learning valuable life lessons as well. “Some of things that we’re trying to instill in them is a sense of pride and also a sense of discipline, and a sense of structure,” said Trautman. “Camp is very structured around prayer and singing, and in the afternoon around playing.”
“We’ve got everybody from all those different places coming together and working together, and hopefully forming some really fine, lasting friendships,” Trautman continued.
Both Episcopal parishes operate music outreach programs in their respective areas, offering children from diverse faiths and economic backgrounds access to free music education. The music programs are based on the Voice for Life Curriculum and are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music.
“It’s been a great week. I have never seen my kids this happy,” said Trautman. “I’ve never seen them smile like this. It’s really been a good experience.”
The children echoed how much fun they’d been having in Cape May. When asked if they liked the city, the response was a resounding yes.
“It’s really pretty,” said Camila Tixe. “I love the houses.”
The Closing Evensong is open to the public and admission is free. The Church of the Advent is at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets.
Wildwood Crest – Several of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks have created quite a bit of controversy over the last few weeks. But surprisingly, his pick to become the next director of the FBI hasn’t experienced as much…
