Folk music comes alive for youth: Summer camps to teach Cajun, Zydeco traditions

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• Louisiana Folk Roots is offering Cajun and Zydeco music camps for children ages 8-14 this summer.
• Camps will be in Eunice, Lafayette and Opelousas throughout June and July.
• Camp activities include instrument instruction, band labs, French singing, dancing and crafts.

Kids and teens will have the chance to learn to play traditional Cajun and Zydeco music instruments and sing in French during the Louisiana Folk Roots Kids Camps this summer. 

The Kids Camps will be in June and July in Eunice, Lafayette and Opelousas for kids ages 8 to 14, according to a prepared statement. Teens with music experience can apply to be Junior Counselors to assist the music faculty.  Registration and application forms are at LAfolkroots.org/kids-camp 

Kids Camp activities include folk music instrument classes, band labs, French singing, dancing, recreation, games and craft activities.   

Tuition includes morning Biscuits & Jam music sessions, lunch and afternoon snacks, art supplies and a camp shirt.  Camp times are 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camps close on Friday with a live music showcase and dance party for families and friends. 

Louisiana Folk Roots Kids Camps schedule

• Lafayette Kids Camp Vermilionville: June 9- 13 
• Opelousas Kids Camp Le Vieux Village: June 23- 27 
• Eunice Kids Camp LSU-E: July 21-25 

Campers can bring a traditional musical instrument to use at Kids Camp such as a guitar, violin, mandolin, Key of C 10-button accordion, rubboard, acoustic beat-box or t-fer.  

Loans of instruments for Kids Campers also may be available through Folk Roots or local music stores.   

To register a youth for the Folk Roots Kids Camps, visit LAfolkroots.org or email [email protected].