Time After Time: Star Lake Musicamp 2026
by Lizbeth Yanez, Territorial Director of Music Program Development
Time after time, God has been faithful.
And “Time After Time” was the theme at the heart of this year’s Star Lake Musicamp. Campers and staff gathered in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, for a week of music, worship, fellowship, and growth. From August 8 to 15, Star Lake once again became a place where young musicians could come together, discover more about their gifts, build friendships, and be reminded of the God who is with them through every season.
From the very beginning, a sense of energy and anticipation filled the camp. Music could be heard everywhere as campers settled into classes, rehearsals, and the daily rhythm of Musicamp. But alongside the music came something just as meaningful: friendships blossomed, confidence developed, and a community began to form around the campers’ shared love of music and desire to grow both as musicians and in their walk with Christ.
(Photo/Adam Avery)
Music filled nearly every corner of Star Lake throughout the week. Campers spent their days in major classes, chorus, theory, and rehearsals, learning from instructors who challenged and encouraged them to grow. The work was often demanding, but there were plenty of moments of laughter, encouragement, and excitement as campers began to hear the results of their hard work.
One of the beautiful things about Musicamp is watching that growth happen in such a short amount of time. Musicians arrive with different levels of experience and different strengths, but throughout the week they learn not only how to become better musicians individually, but how to listen and play together. A group of individual musicians gradually becomes an ensemble. The sound becomes fuller, the confidence grows, and the music begins to come together.
(Photo/Adam Avery)
Time for concerts
The Preview Festival gave campers their first chance to share what they had been working toward, while Solo Night provided a special opportunity for individual musicians to step forward and share their talents. Throughout the week, campers also enjoyed performances from the Hilltop Band, Pequannock Band, Appalachian Band, Star Lake Band, and Senior Music Camp Band, as well as a special performance from guest artist Clark Beckham.
Each performance brought something different to the week, but together they offered a glimpse of the incredible musical community at Star Lake. Campers were able to hear musicians of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences while being inspired to continue developing their own gifts.
(Photo/Adam Avery)
Time of spiritual devotion
Yet, as much as Musicamp is about music, some of the most meaningful moments happened away from the rehearsal room.
Each morning began with worship led by Territorial Youth Secretary Major Amanda Krueger. Her devotional times became a beautiful and meaningful part of the week, creating space for campers to pause, listen, and focus on God before beginning the day’s classes and rehearsals. Krueger did an incredible job ministering to the campers, meeting them where they were and encouraging them to take their faith seriously — not only while they were at Star Lake but when they returned home.
Throughout the week, she challenged campers to see faith as something that requires intention, discipline, and consistency. Her messages encouraged them to develop habits that would continue beyond the week at Star Lake. Just as musicians grow through regular practice and discipline, campers were reminded that their faith also grows when they intentionally make time for God and remain committed to Him in their everyday lives.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
Her messages gave campers practical encouragement for carrying their faith with them once they returned to their homes, corps, schools, and communities. Whether speaking about remaining faithful in difficult circumstances, recognizing the unique gifts God has given each person, or understanding the importance of spiritual discipline, each morning Krueger provided an opportunity for campers to reflect on what God might be saying to them.
She used the story of Daniel to demonstrate this message of faithfulness. His commitment to prayer was not something that developed overnight; it was the result of a life of consistently choosing to follow God. His example served as a reminder that faith is built over time, through daily choices and continued commitment.
Another devotional reminded campers that each person has a unique place in God’s plan. Like pieces of a puzzle, we may each look different and have different purposes, but every piece matters. It was a message that fit beautifully within the Musicamp experience. In an ensemble, not everyone plays the same part. Not every instrument sounds the same. But when each musician brings what they have, something beautiful can be created together.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
Time to spend together
That same idea could be seen throughout the week. Campers encouraged one another. Instructors invested in their students. Friends celebrated one another’s successes. Someone who arrived not knowing many people could leave with a group of friends. Someone who was nervous about performing could find the confidence to step onto the stage. Someone who came hoping simply to improve as a musician could leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
(Photo/Adam Avery)
Those relationships are a significant part of what makes Star Lake feel like more than a music camp.
There are the conversations between rehearsals, the jokes shared at meals, the moments of encouragement before a performance, and the inevitable realization that the week is going by far too quickly. There is a sense of belonging that develops as everyone settles into the rhythm of camp. For a short time, Star Lake becomes its own little community where everybody loves music.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
A timeless legacy
This year also provided an opportunity to celebrate the people who have helped build that community over the years. Major Phil Ferreira was inducted into the Star Lake Musicamp Hall of Fame, recognizing his many years of dedication to the camp and its ministry. His recognition was a reminder that the Star Lake story is much bigger than any one summer. For generations, people have given their time, energy, and gifts to invest in young musicians and help make Musicamp what it is today.
“Star Lake has had a huge impact on my life,” Ferreira said as he accepted the honor. “Some of my most significant spiritual experiences were here at Star Lake Musicamp. Campers, don’t let it pass you by. I am deeply honored, moved, and thank you very much.”
Mark Baker, a member of the New York Staff Band, said later that Ferreira’s induction was well deserved. “He might argue with this, but he is taking his rightful place alongside many other Salvation Army music legends. At Star Lake, we all know about the Pep Song and the Laking videos, but what many won’t see is a guy who does anything to help camp. They wouldn’t see the subtle talks with young people, the prayers. They would see a guy who is the smiling face and kind word that someone needs at that moment. That’s Phil.”
The campers of today stand in a long line of musicians who have gathered at Star Lake before them. They are part of a continuing story, a legacy that has been shaped by countless instructors, staff members, musicians, and campers who have come before.
And then, almost as quickly as it began, the week reached its final day.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
Time for the finale
The Awards Ceremony and Finale Festival brought everyone together one last time. The music heard during the finale represented so much more than the notes being played: early mornings, long rehearsals, difficult passages, small victories, encouragement from instructors, and the determination of campers who kept working until everything came together.
There was a sense of celebration, but also something bittersweet about the final moments. The week had been full of so much activity that it was hard to believe it was already time to say goodbye.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
Bukiewicz took a moment to thank Bandmaster Derek Lance and all the faculty and staff who poured themselves into the week. “I just want to express my appreciation for Derek’s leadership, for his vision, for his commitment, and his hard work,” Bukiewicz said.
Soon, the instruments were packed away; rooms emptied, and final hugs were shared. Campers began their journeys home, carrying more than they had brought with them.
(Photo/Lu Lu Rivera)
They took new musical skills and performances. They took friendships and memories of inside jokes. They took the encouragement of instructors and the experience of being part of something bigger than themselves. And, hopefully, they took home a renewed understanding of the gifts God has given them and how those gifts can be used.
That is the beauty of Star Lake.
The week ended, but what happens at Star Lake does not stay at Star Lake. The music continues in the corps and churches. Friendships continue across states and communities. The lessons learned in the practice room continue to shape young musicians. The encouragement received during worship continues to speak long after the final song has been played.
And perhaps that is what makes this year’s theme, “Time After Time,” so fitting.
Time after time, young people have gathered at Star Lake. Instructors have poured into their students. Friendships have been formed. Music has brought people together.
And time after time, God has remained faithful.
The final notes of Star Lake Musicamp 2026 have sounded, but the story is far from over. Another week has become another chapter in the long history of Star Lake, leaving behind memories that will be carried forward until campers return again.
For one week, Star Lake was filled with music, laughter, worship, and friendship. And the hope is that what was experienced there will continue to grow — time after time, day after day, and year after year.
