MusicMakers! Summer Camp was housed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 7 summers from 2004-2011. A large number of past campers survived the February 14 shooting. One former camper did not survive. I am intensely grateful that number isn’t larger.
Along with the rest of my community, I am in shock and I grieve for the families of those lost on Valentine’s Day. “Grief” isn’t a strong enough word for the sadness I feel. I am still trying to grasp the enormity and complexity of the issues involved in this world-shaking systemic failure, as well as determine appropriate fixes to make things better. As a music teacher, my role is to heal the hearts of the broken through music… a mission I know can help many during these dark days.
I grew up in Coral Springs. I attended Coral Springs Elementary School when it was housed in portables where Coral Springs Medical Center now stands. I went to Coral Springs Middle School and Coral Springs High School (Class of ’87). My husband grew up in Parkland- his dad owned Poogie Pools for many years. I’ve watched Coral Springs grow from a nearly-rural “City in the Country” to a small metropolitan community with “Everything Under the Sun.” Our kids have grown up here in Coral Springs also, and many of my camp counselors, our friends, or their children attend MSDHS.
I know that making music helps people process deep pain, because it helped me overcome some pretty insurmountable personal struggles comparable to what many are now experiencing after the shooting. My life has been dedicated to helping others through teaching them to express themselves musically.
This summer I am hoping to see many campers and counselors come together at MusicMakers! Summer Camp. Parents & teens- if you are looking for a place that loves kids, is FUN, is worthwhile, and will put a smile on your child’s face, please think about joining us. Scholarship deadline for campers is April 15, and volunteer counselors may apply beginning March 1. This is our 21st season partnering with the City of Coral Springs Parks & Recreation Dept. We are housed at Coral Springs Charter School at the corner of Sample Rd. & University Dr. For more info, visit www.musicmakerscamp.com or call 954-868-5515.
Sincerely,
Nicole Greggs (nee Brinkman)
MusicMakers! Summer Camp Director
