Dear Friends Music Camp Community,
We wanted to write to update you on plans for Friends Music Camp and what the future holds.
As you know, we have been undergoing the process of identifying a new home for FMC over the past year. The process of searching for a new location was run by a committee of alumni, guided by Nick Hutchinson and board member Casey Ashenhurst and clerked by Pam Wilkinson. The committee researched almost three dozen locations, many of which were suggested by members of the FMC community. The committee was seeking a location that fit FMC’s needs as a music camp as well as embodying the feel and spirit of the FMC experience.
The committee identified Goshen College in Indiana as an ideal location for FMC and the board came to consensus in approving the location this spring. We will be sharing more information about Goshen in the coming weeks but we think that Goshen will feel like a true home for FMC. As a Mennonite college, Goshen has a deep connection and commitment to peace, equality, and stewardship that reflects FMC’s Quaker foundation. Mennonites also have a long-standing musical culture and tradition – that’s two for two!
It was not possible to set dates with Goshen for summer 2025 but they have committed to hosting FMC in the summer of 2026. We are therefore making plans to relaunch FMC in 2026!
With a 7-year gap since camp was held in person, getting ready for FMC 2026 will be a major effort and we are asking for the support and involvement of the community in this project. To help organize the process for restarting FMC, Pam Wilkinson will be serving as a point person to support Nick and the board as we move forward.
There will be much more communication and information forthcoming, but here are some possibilities for getting involved with FMC 2026:
- Spread the word! – Maybe something like: Forward this message to anyone in your FMC, Quaker, or music communities who would be interested in knowing what FMC is up to these days – we want to reach out to as many people as possible! If you think they would be interested in helping relaunch FMC or know someone who might be a potential camper, that’s even more reason to spread the word.
- Fill out the community survey. – We’ve created a community survey to gather contacts, potential volunteers, and ideas for the future of FMC.
- Join an alumni committee. – There will be four different alumni committees who will work directly with Nick, the board, and Pam to recruit campers, spread the word, and plan for camp. More information about each committee is included in the survey.
- Volunteer to give a presentation about FMC. – We will be looking for volunteers to go to schools, Quaker Meetings, and other gatherings to give presentations about FMC and recruit new campers. Training and materials will be provided!
- Share your ideas. – Do you have an idea for the future of FMC? Let us know – FMC became what it is because of this community and the community is what will shape FMC in the future. You can come to the upcoming virtual gathering or put your thoughts on the form, or email us anytime with your ideas!
- Attend the community update. – On September 14 at 4:00 Eastern Time, we will have a virtual gathering to give more details about what is happening next and how you can get involved. This will also be an opportunity to connect, reminisce about FMC, and share ideas about the future of FMC.
In an FMC board meeting this spring, Nick spoke about why he feels FMC is needed in the world: “When the world seems like it is in darkness, sometimes it feels like the only thing you can do is create small lights in the dark. FMC is a small light in the dark.”
With gratitude for our vibrant, caring community, and with optimism for the future of FMC,
Nicholas Hutchinson, Director
FMC Board of Directors
Drea Gallaga, Chair
Casey Ashenhurst
Sam Garman
Martha Hyde
Jorge Quant
Carol Simmons
