The bus had barely pulled away from SWAN’s Summer Celebration when the singing started again.
Students who had just performed before a room full of supporters couldn’t stop smiling. They replayed their favorite moments from the evening, laughed together, talked excitedly about the audience’s standing ovation, and broke into song once more.
They were on cloud nine.
In those few minutes on the ride home, you could see something that had been growing throughout the entire summer: confidence, joy, friendship, and the pride that comes from accomplishing something they once thought was impossible.
That moment captured the heart of SWAN’s 2026 Rising Stars Summer Music Camp.
For five unforgettable weeks, children impacted by parental incarceration discovered far more than how to sing a song or play an instrument. They found a place where they were known by name, encouraged every day, challenged to grow, and reminded that they are deeply loved. Through music, mentoring, faith, and caring relationships, students grew in confidence while discovering the gifts God has given them.
More Than Music
Every day at camp was intentionally designed to help students grow as whole people.
Music remained at the center of each day as students participated in choir, private and semi-private instrument lessons, music theory, and ensemble rehearsals. Alongside music, students explored their creativity through art classes, where they painted, sculpted with clay, learned how to throw pottery on a wheel, and discovered new ways to express themselves.
What makes SWAN unique, however, is that music is only one part of the journey.
Throughout the summer, students participated in social-emotional learning classes that helped them understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, develop resilience, and practice skills they can carry into everyday life. Licensed mental health counselors were present throughout camp, providing support, encouragement, and a safe place for students to process life’s challenges whenever they needed it. Bible classes reminded students that they are created with purpose, deeply loved by God, and never alone. Together, these experiences created an environment where children could heal, grow, and thrive.
One student captured the heart of camp in these simple words:
“I love the teachers; they are so kind. The funniest ones are Mr. Kehr and Mr. Ryan. The one who makes sure we know we are not alone is Ms. Holly. She reads the Bible, and it says you are not alone. I like that part.”
Learning to Work as One
One of the greatest transformations came as individual lessons became collaborative performances.
Students who had been practicing their own instrumental parts began rehearsing together as an ensemble, accompanying the choir for songs they would soon perform before live audiences.
Week after week, we watched students encourage one another, listen carefully, solve problems together, and celebrate each other’s successes. By the time the full choir and instrumental ensemble rehearsed together, they weren’t simply playing music.
They were making music together.
Sharing Their Gifts
As students’ confidence grew, so did their opportunities to share what they had learned.
One unforgettable evening, they joined Las Guaracheras on stage at Long’s Park during a performance of Para la guerra nada. Standing alongside professional musicians, students performed original verses they had written, sharing their creativity, experiences, and voices with the community. It was a powerful reminder that every child has a story worth telling.
Later in the summer, students visited Evergreen Estates Retirement Community, where they brought joy to residents through music, smiles, and heartfelt conversations. After the performance, they personally introduced themselves and delivered handmade cards before everyone enjoyed one of camp’s favorite music games together.
These experiences reminded students that music has the power not only to entertain but also to encourage, connect, and serve others.
Finishing Strong
The final week of camp was filled with celebration.
Students delivered their strongest performance of the summer during SWAN’s Summer Celebration fundraising dinner. They sang, danced, and played with confidence, joy, and enthusiasm, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
The celebration continued as students, families, and staff experienced the inspiring production of Joshua thanks to the generous ticket donation from Sight & Sound Theatre. Later that evening, students proudly performed God Bless America and the National Anthem, with sign language, before the Lancaster Stormers game, bringing camp to a memorable close.
As difficult as it was to say goodbye, everyone left with memories that will last far beyond the summer.
Thank You
A summer like this is only possible because of an incredible community.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, licensed mental health counselors, generous donors, sponsors, community partners, and families who invested in our students throughout the summer.
Thank you to every organization that welcomed our students to perform, every supporter who believed in their potential, and every person who made this life-changing experience possible.
Most of all, thank you to our students.
Thank you for working hard, encouraging one another, trying new things, serving others, and sharing your gifts with confidence and joy. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of this summer.
Perhaps the simplest reflection came from one student on the last day of camp:
“I love SWAN camp, and I don’t want it to end.”
While camp has come to a close, our hope is that the confidence, friendships, faith, and love our students experienced will remain with them long after summer ends.
Summer camp may be over, but the music and the impact will continue long after the final note.
