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MISSION STATEMENT
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to provide scholarships to young people from elementary school age through college age so that they may participate in the educational experience of attending a summer music camp in the specific areas of instrumental and/or vocal music. Our mission includes the intention to promote the study and enjoyment of music and the arts, to encourage discipline and aesthetics in education, to provide opportunities for young people to share their art at a high level of excellence, and to meet with and explore ideas with other young people of various backgrounds, but similar interests. Secondarily, our mission is to promote the musical arts in performance and to give local communities an opportunity to view today’s youth in a positive and constructive light.
President's Message
Summer music camps can change the life of a young person in more ways than anyone could ever know. Our organization continues its mission of providing scholarships year after year because of your generous donations. Your support these past 35+ years has made it possible for young musicians to experience music while making lifelong friends in a unique setting away from home and its distractions. Many of them have gone on to be professional musicians or involved in the music industry. This spring the scholarship committee met and listened to the auditions and read the applications that we received. We were able to award $124,653 in scholarships to 82 students. Congratulations to all the recipients.
Our private lesson program for music students in LBUSD is in its fourth year. The funds are coming primarily from the Long Beach Gives program which is a city-wide fundraising activity held in September each year. We do need more donations to this program if we are to continue funding it.
The idea of including copies of The Note on our website has percolated for a while, but it seemed a daunting task. Then in 2024, Bob Walton asked if we wanted his many copies of The Note from the 1960s. How could we refuse? His offer was the impetus for Laura to start the scanning process. We have many copies from the original Note in 1942 through 1988. It’s fun to relive past sessions while reading biographies on the staff, insider gossip on the campers, the repertoire played, recreation highlights, and words of wisdom from Mr. Ohlendorf. They bring back so many memories. Check it out on our website at arrowbearmusicassoc.org/archives. Please send us your old Notes if you have any we’re missing.
Our 85th Reunion will be next year in 2026. It will be at Arrowbear during the Labor Day weekend. You can come and stay over at the Camp if you are willing to sleep in the dorms, or there are motels in the nearby communities of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear. We will begin planning in the fall. If you are interested in being a part of the Reunion Committee or would be willing to help us during the Reunion, please contact us. Save the date now, so you don’t miss out.
Please try to visit a summer music camp concert or a rehearsal this summer. Camp generally has the concert on the last day of each session. Laura and I will visit our scholarship winners at each session and take pictures to share with all of you. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe summer.
Cliff Kusaba
President
The Line Fire Endangers Arrowbear
Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake are just above the red outline of the fire.
Southern California faced the power and destruction of three different wild fires in September and October of 2024. The Line Fire broke out on September 5 just north of the city of Highland. The fire climbed up the hills, closed Highway 330, and forced the evacuation of several communities including Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake. Highway 330 remains closed in mid-October.
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The topography of the area made it difficult for firefighters to fight the fire. Dennis and Larke had to evacuate from Camp for their own safety. The evacuation order remained in place for more than a week while firefighters worked to keep the fire away from homes and buildings. Only one home was destroyed in the town of Running Springs and Camp was spared. The Keller Peak Lookout Station was consumed by the fire. Four other structures were damaged.
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Dennis and Larke returned to Camp on September 15. The fire department was there in Camp when they arrived. The area was covered in ash, but none of the structures were damaged.
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By October 14, the Line Fire was 97% contained and had burned 43,978 acres. Flare ups continued to occur due to warmer temperatures. Six firefighters were injured; thankfully, there are no fatalities to date. Arson is suspected to be the cause of the fire.
Along Highway 330
Keller Peak Watch Tower
Keller Peak Watch Tower destroyed by fire.
Become a Subscriber
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Go Green and become a subscriber. Instead of receiving a paper edition of our newsletters, you’ll receive an electronic version. The numerous photos are in full color and all the links are live. You’ll help us save money on printing and postage that can help send more young musicians to a summer music camp. It’s easy. Just click on the button and register.
Giving Tuesday
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Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and worthy causes. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. It has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
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Giving Tuesday 2024 took place on
Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
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Donors helped us raise $976.04 for scholarships.
December 3, 2024
HOW CAN I DONATE?
There are multiple ways you can support providing scholarships for summer music camps. We accept donations by check and by credit card through PayPal. For some of you, writing a check, addressing an envelope, and locating a stamp is too time consuming or just flat-out “old school.” There are lots of other ways you can help us help young musicians. Check out these additional options.
Snow and More Snow
California mountain communities experienced record breaking back-to-back snow storms in late February and early March 2023. The governor declared a state of emergency in 13 counties affected by the storms. Yosemite National Park was closed for several weeks as it dealt with 15 feet of snow. In the San Bernardino Mountains, snowfall blocked the roads, trapped residents in their homes, and stranded people who work down the hill from reaching their mountain homes for days. Schools in the Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead areas closed for nearly 3 weeks due to the unprecedented amount of snowfall that sometimes towered as high as second-story windows. Disaster response and relief efforts were hampered by the amount of snow. Neighbors relied on each other until roads were finally cleared.
Residents and businesses experienced roof collapses, cars completely buried, and trying to tunnel out of their front doors to reach the street. Even after the main roads were passable, neighborhood streets remained unplowed. Where do you put that much snow? Arrowbear Music Camp was spared any damage, but the snow level on the ground was mind-boggling.
Camp Sign
Camp Porch
Dining Hall
