Every year in July my sons go to Arkansas Interfaith Choir Camp at Subiaco Abbey in Subiaco, Arkansas (close to Paris, AR).  From a mother’s perspective, singing in the choir is one of the most awesome things my boys can do.  Choir Camp is an amazing thing for them to experience.  It gives them life skills that every boy needs.

Church singing Saturday Morning at Choir Camp

1. For my sons to have strong men singing in the choir as role models is priceless.  I couldn’t hope for a better image for my boys to have of what good men do in our community.  There are so many outlets and celebrations of the violent, domineering, aggressive way of being male in our culture that choir culture has given our family a fabulous balance.  Yes son, there are other ways to be masculine that don’t involve guns.
   

   The Church at Subiaco

2. Having a commitment to our church choir gives them a sense of being valued in our community.  They have a job to do.  The church needs them.  Their voice is important.
3. Choir Camp gives my sons abilities to perform in leadership roles, to learn interpersonal relationships, and practice those skills with their peers, guided by loving adults from their community who care about them.
4. Choir camp gets my crazy boys all up on stage, in front of people in a way that is not invasive or scary.  They perform a broadway production every year with opportunities to have leading or supportive roles.
   

   Sean Goofing around with Friends at Choir Camp

5. Gives my sons a sense of belonging.
6. Gives them the experience of being a part of the team.  Yes you are important and yes the team is important.  Gives them a purpose bigger than self.
7. Gives my boys the opportunity to flex their creativity, explore their voice, and express themselves.
8. Choir (and Charlie-our choir guru) teaches my sons that singing is a great way to express joy and gratitude.  How awesome is that?  I know, right?
   

   Beloved Charlie the Choir Guru at St. Paul’s

9. Choir in church can lead to choir in high school, which every boy knows is where the girls are.  And there is nothing more sexy to young women than strong young men who can sing and dance.
10. Choir is helping to turn my sweet boys into more well rounded young men.

Final Broadway Number

Zachs Group Having Fun

The Pool at Subiaco

Zach practices hand bells

Shenanigans on the Waterslide at Choir Camp

Me and My Boys after Choir Camp 2014

I am so grateful for this community that provides a safe haven for my boys, guidance, a sense of responsibility, and belonging that seem so absent in our culture right now.  Our family is fortunate to be surrounded by such great, loving people.

Wendy Finn is the mother of 4 boys, owner of I.M. Spa, a Raw Food Enthusiast and educator, a world traveler in pursuit of superior massage education, a Master Massage Therapist of 20 plus years, a gardener, and a nursing student.  She’s passionate about touching people and sharing health.