Band Camp
Troy Colt Band Camp is an unforgettable week of music, marching, team building, and lifelong memories. Each summer, the Troy Colt Marching Band kicks off its season with an immersive, week-long camp held at Camp FaHoLo in Grass Lake, Michigan.
For nearly two decades, this beloved destination has hosted our students, providing the perfect environment to learn, connect, and grow as a band.
Where the Magic of Marching Band Begins
Band Camp is where students learn the music and drill for the upcoming marching show, build friendships that last a lifetime, and become fully integrated into the Troy Colt Band family. Whether you’re a returning member or brand new to the program, there is no better place to feel connected, confident, and inspired.
What to Expect at Band Camp
Forget the typical idea of “roughing it in cabins.” At FaHoLo, students stay in the Conference Center, a hotel-style building with comfortable accommodations. Camp provides a safe, structured space for focused rehearsals and fun downtime.
Here’s what makes camp special:
Full Size Practice Field
One of the most exciting parts of Band Camp is stepping onto the full-sized outdoor field to bring the marching show to life. Here, students learn and refine their drill formations with plenty of space to stretch out, move, and focus. The field becomes a canvas for creativity, coordination, and discipline as the band starts to work in sync. Under the open sky, these rehearsals are more than just practice; they’re moments of growth, camaraderie, and musical energy. The fresh air, the sound of horns echoing through the trees, and the first glimpse of a completed set are unforgettable.
Music Rehearsals
When it’s time to focus on the music itself, students head to “The Tabernacle,” our large, air-conditioned indoor rehearsal space. This space is where the soundtrack of the season comes together. Here, students refine tone, rhythm, and technique in a comfortable environment that allows for deep focus and incredible progress. This is where the band begins to sound like one voice. It’s also a welcome break from the summer heat!
Sectionals
Every section (brass, woodwinds, percussion, and color guard) receives individualized attention from dedicated staff members who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. These small group sessions are tailored to help students grow their confidence, improve technique, and build section unity. It’s a chance to break things down, ask questions, and connect more closely with peers and mentors. By the end of the week, students leave with sharper skills and stronger bonds with their section family.
Evening Activities
After a day of rehearsals, the fun doesn’t stop! Each evening at Band Camp brings a different kind of energy—filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. From the hilarity of skit night to themed games, trivia, and more, students get the chance to unwind and make memories that last a lifetime. These activities are more than entertainment, they’re moments that build trust, celebrate individuality, and strengthen the sense of community. It’s where inside jokes are born, talents are discovered, and everyone has a chance to shine outside of rehearsal.
Water Fun and Rec Time
Camp FaHoLo offers multiple ways to cool down and have fun for "Rec Time". Whether it’s relaxing at the lakefront beach, jumping on the "Blob" in the lake, or dodge ball in the gym, students get to enjoy a refreshing break in the middle of a packed schedule. These moments of relaxation and play bring joy, laughter, and a bit of summer adventure to the week. It’s a highlight for many students and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, splash around with friends, and recharge for the next rehearsal.
Team Building
At its heart, Band Camp is about more than music; it’s about people. Through carefully planned team-building activities, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zones, support one another, and grow as leaders and collaborators. These events emphasize inclusion, helping everyone, newcomers and veterans alike, feel like they truly belong. Our student leaders cultivate a strong foundation of respect and unity. Band becomes more than just an ensemble—it becomes a family, ready to face the season ahead together.
Parent Volunteers
Our Band Camp experience would not be possible without the help of our incredible team of parent volunteers, who serve as chaperones throughout the week. Their role is critical in ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive experience of all students at camp.
If you’re a parent interested in joining the chaperone team, we’d love to have you! Please reach out to our Band Camp Coordinators for more information on how to get involved.
Medical Staff
Each year, Troy Colt Band Camp is supported by a licensed medical team of qualified professionals who are on-site 24/7. From managing medications to handling minor injuries or medical concerns, our medical staff ensures that every student is cared for and safe.
If you’re a parent interested in joining the Medical Staff, we’d love to have you! Please reach out to our Band Camp Coordinators for more information on how to get involved.
Band Camp Staff
Our Band Camp staff consists of dedicated alumni who once marched in the very same shoes as our current students. They are not only talented musicians but also experienced mentors who work closely with students in sectionals and on the field.
With extra support from staff, each student receives individual attention to ensure no one is left behind, even as the group moves at a fast pace. Whether it’s refining a marching move or mastering a difficult musical passage, our staff is there every step of the way.
Band Camp Coordinators
The heart of our camp organization is our team of Band Camp Coordinators, Garrett & Kaitlyn Jafano and Billy Love. These three alumni have been guiding the Troy Colt Band Camp experience for over six years, bringing with them more than 50 combined years of camp experience as students, staff, and leaders.
The Coordinators are responsible for:
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Managing camp logistics with Camp FaHoLo
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Ensuring all activities meet state and school district compliance
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Supporting student safety, schedules, and facility use
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Coordinating volunteers, medical staff, and instructional teams
Their commitment and passion ensure that every camp is the best it can be, year after year.
Sending Mail to Camp
Students are able to receive mail/packages while
at camp. Please allow 3-4 days for delivery:
Address to:
(Student Name) - Troy High Band
Camp FaHoLo
3000 Mt. Hope Road
Grass Lake, MI 49240
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the Band Camp.
Band Camp takes place in early August at Camp FaHoLo in Grass Lake, Michigan. Exact dates and departure/return times are announced each spring and shared via email and the Troy Colt Bands website.
Yes. Band Camp is a required part of the Marching Band experience. It’s where we learn the majority of the music and drill for the season, and it’s essential for team-building and ensemble cohesion.
Students stay in the Conference Center at Camp FaHoLo, which is more like a hotel than a traditional summer camp. Rooms are air-conditioned, carpeted, and include beds and bathrooms. Students are asked to bring their own linens or sleeping bags. Each room is assigned a parent chaperone who will look after the room both morning and night, and for all meals.
A detailed packing list is provided ahead of camp each year, but essentials include:
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Comfortable clothing
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Athletic shoes (not sandals) for marching
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Water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray
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Music, instrument, and accessories
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Bedding and toiletries
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Swimsuit and towel for water activities
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Yes! All meals are provided by the camp’s food service. Special dietary needs can be accommodated—just indicate them during registration.
An incredible team of parent volunteers serves as chaperones throughout the week. In addition, medical staff and Band Camp Coordinators are always on-site to ensure safety, organization, and support.
We bring a team of licensed medical professionals who are available 24/7 to assist with any health needs, medication, or emergencies.
Students are allowed to bring phones, and should use them when learning drill and music through the Pyware app.
Because Band Camp is a structured, immersive experience, we do not allow mid-week parent visits. However, parents are encouraged to join us for our Sneak Preview, where you’ll see the week’s progress and welcome your student home at Troy High School.
We’d love your help! Please contact the Band Camp Coordinators to express interest in volunteering. Chaperones stay on-site for the week, help with logistics, student supervision, and contribute to the safe and fun environment we create at camp. We do prioritize parents who can volunteer their time for the whole week over parents who can only offer half.