Youth Choir Boot Camp
An opportunity to perfect the 2025 Song Festival repertoire and make friends with Lithuanian youth from throughout the USA and Canada!
Who, Where, When
- May 23-26, 2025 (Memorial Day weekend)
- Camp Dainava - 15100 West Austin Road, Manchester, Michigan 48158
- All youth ages 13-35 who plan to sing in the Song Festival, whether singing year-round in an in-person choir or part of the "satellite" choir and learning through self-study as well as youth dancers who will participating in the Song Festival and adding to its visual beauty!
- Registration $100 USD (accommodation, meals, seminar program & materials)
Boot Camp Team
The energizing people who are putting together the fun, creative and quality program.

Kęstutis Daugirdas
Program Coordinator & Bass section Leader
(Chicago, IL)

Karolina Daugirdas
Soprano Section Leader
(Chicago, IL)

Alena Miškinis
Accompanist
(Cleveland, OH)

Kristina Kliorys
Alto Section Leader
(Montréal, QC)

Aleksandras Stankevičius
Alto Section Leader
(Montréal, QC)

Eglė Žukauskas
Dance Teacher
(Cleveland, OH)

Aušrinė Širvinskas
Mise en scène
(Cleveland, OH)

Marija Čyvas
Evening Activities
(Chicago, IL)

Daina Polikaitis
Evening Activities
(Chicago, IL)

Audra Januškis (Bravo Bites)
Head Chef
(Chicago, IL)

Fr. Lukas Laniauskas, SJ
Catholic Mass
(Cleveland, OH)
Program Overview
This Memorial Day Weekend, join together with young singers from across the continent for a weekend of singing, fun, and fellowship in the soul-nourishing atmosphere of Camp Dainava.
The Song Festival Youth Seminar is a 2-day intensive bootcamp for all Song Festival participants ages 13-35!
It will be action packed; we will work hard, and we will have a lot of fun!
During the weekend, singers will practice the repertoire in voice part sectionals (i.e., soprano, also, tenor, bass) and combined rehearsal sessions.
Dancers participating in the Festival will have their own sessions for part of the weekend, and will combine with the singers to rehearse joint song/dance numbers in the program.
It will be an energizing preview of the big show in Cleveland in June!
Schedule Outline:
May 23 (Friday): Arrive (evening)
May 24 (Saturday): Day 1 Sessions
May 25 (Sunday): Day 2 Sessions
May 26 (Monday): Depart (noon)
There will also be time for socializing, enjoying Thorn Lake, games and activities, sitting (and singing) around the campfire, and appreciating the beauty of Camp Dainava.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend that will strengthen your musical preparation, rejuvenate your spirit, and get you properly hyped for Dainų šventė!
Note: Singers are expected to have prepared extensively in advance of the Seminar, either by attending year-round in-person rehearsals with a choir, independent practice with the rehearsal recordings, or a combination of the two. It is impossible to learn 30+ songs from scratch in one weekend. You must arrive with prior preparation and study!
Registration
Please complete one registration form per participant.
"*" indicates required fields
FAQ
What should I bring to Dainava?
- Sleeping bag or bedding (e.g., sheet, blanket)
- Pillow with pillowcase
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Box fan and extension cords
- Options for free time, depending on your hobbies:
- Bathing suit, flip flops & beach towel
- Fishing rod & tackle box
- Sports equipment (e.g., tennis, basketball, yoga)
- Games (e.g., chess, playing cards, Jenga, corn holes)
- Music instrument
Are there specific Dainava rules I should be aware of?
- There will not be a lifeguard. Swimming across the lake is prohibited. Swimming is only allowed within the marked limits. It is the responsibility of parents to supervise their children under the age of 18 near the water. Campers under the age of 18 cannot enter the water, nor use the diving board without their parents.
- To use the rowboat, at least one adult (18+) must be on board. All campers under the age of 18 must wear a life jacket.
- Campers are strictly prohibited from bringing any items the use of which would endanger the camp or cause harm to another camper (e.g., explosives (fireworks), matches, flammable liquids, dangerous sprays, knives and the like).
Have a question?
