DJ Tina T, who was just named “Best Female DJ” in Las Vegas for the third consecutive year, runs a very unique camp in Ojai, California. Camp Spin Off is a weeklong summer camp where kids explore and learn about music and spinning. When campers aren’t learning DJ skills from some of the top names in the industry, they enjoy more typical camp activities, like hiking and swimming. While this is not the standard summer camp, Camp Spin Off is a great opportunity for kids who are interested in music and DJing, but also love the outdoors. Here is our Lost in the Woods’ interview with DJ Tina.
Before we begin, could you tell me a little about yourself?
I grew up in Seattle, WA and started DJing there when I was 15. I left home to study Marketing at Washington State University. After graduation I moved to Los Angeles to pursue DJing full time and then moved to Las Vegas, which is where I currently live.
What is Camp Spin-off?
Camp Spin Off is the only sleep away summer camp for teens ages 13-17 who want to learn how to DJ. It is a mix of the traditional summer camp experience mixed with new age technology, DJ classes, guest speakers and more! What makes it unique is that we live together for a week, allowing the kids to be submerged in the culture. We eat, sleep, and breathe everything music/DJ related for one week:)
Why did you decide to found Camp Spin-off?
I wanted to find a way to combine my passion for DJing with my love for the outdoors and belief in the benefits of summer camp for youth.
Why do you feel that DJ skills, as well as the other music-related classes available, are important to develop in kids?
It’s a creative outlet for them, which is very important. If you don’t have that kind of support for your interests when you are a teenager, then you could end up down a wrong road. Music has been proven many times to be beneficial in all aspects young people’s development and schoolwork.
What more stereotypical camp activities are available to your campers?
Traditional camp activities include campfires and s’mores, hiking, zip lines, pool parties, climbing walls, group activities, skits, cabin games, arts and crafts.
What is a typical day like for one of your campers?
We wake up at 8am for breakfast and then campers rotate through three different classes: 1. DJ (Turntables & Vinyl Records) 2. Beat Making and remixing 3. Digital DJing. There is a lunch break and then in the afternoon we have open recreation time where they can play sports, go swimming or have open practice time.
The mission of more conventional summer camps is, frequently, to help kids grow into strong individuals, while gaining values and skills in the outdoors. How does “Camp Spin-off” fit into this idea of the “summer camp”?
We provide them with positive and inspiring role models in the DJ community. They are surrounded by people who can help them learn and grow as young adults and DJ’s. The outdoor experiences with nature hikes and sleeping in cabins are new to a lot of our campers, especially in a time where kids are being raised indoors.
What do you hope campers gain from the program?
I hope that campers leave with an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. I also hope that they meet new friends, learn a lot and apply it when they get home.
Why should parents send their kids to Camp Spin-off?
To support their kids interest in music and learning how to DJ. It is a great opportunity for any kid to meet new friends, learn new skills and have an unforgettable experience!
2 Comments
Its a good experience to enjoy summer camp with DJ Tina.And the kids got a chance to enjoy them-self beside their classroom.They made new friends,have fun and got new environment which will help to grow up their mentality.So,kids should get a chance to go summer camp and enjoy like that.
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