One generation from losing it, so we started with the kids
From a day and a half to a full week
Y Bar J began in Weatherford, Texas in 2013 as a 1½-day camp. Today it has grown into two full week-long camps: one at Weatherford College and one on the Burson Ranch in the Texas Panhandle.
The camp was founded by Judy James and the late Pam Tarpley, who saw a need to perpetuate Western history and heritage. Knowing that we are one generation away from losing our heritage, their vision was always to preserve and protect the Western lifestyle through Western music. It starts with the youth of America, and it starts with music.
Campers work with vocal and instrumental instructors and receive teaching in music theory, poetry, songwriting and professionalism from recognized professionals in the Western entertainment industry. The week culminates in a concert, open to the public, featuring group and individual performances by the campers.
Through the years, campers have come from Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia and Virginia.
Talent, nurtured
Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp exists to aid and enhance the individual talents of the participants through music and poetry, with an emphasis on Western music, Western swing (the official music of Texas), gospel music and cowboy poetry. We offer instruction in guitar, fiddle, bass, mandolin, voice, poetry, songwriting and music theory, as well as group songs.
We believe it is our responsibility and privilege to inspire these young people to do all they do for the glory of God.
Soli Deo Gloria
The Code of the West
Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp connects and empowers young music enthusiasts. We desire to impart Christian values, along with educating and encouraging the preservation, performance and composition of historical and contemporary Western music and poetry of the American West, with a strong emphasis on the Code of the West.
The camp is a program of Y Bar J Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving, promoting and performing Western and Western swing music and cowboy poetry, and the perpetuation of cowboy culture.
What families say
My daughter was nine, and she loved to sing! The camp was like a family. At the end of the week she got on stage and belted out her song. Her vocals had improved so much in just one week. This will be our third year and we can’t wait to go again!
My two boys have participated for several years. Not only have they grown musically, but they have made lasting friendships. I would recommend this camp to any teen who loves cowboy music culture!
A lot of good music skills are taught, but also a lot of good life values are shared as well. Any young person would be positively impacted by attending.
Support the kids! Bribe them, do whatever it takes to get them there once and they will want to go again!!
What these kids learn in 4 days to help them in their music goals is awesome: from working together as a group, to understanding proper skills in performing, and even respect for each other and our country.
I started out as a parent of a youth camper many years ago and became part of the staff. If you have a young person in your life who has a passion for Western music and poetry, you should register them for this amazing experience.
Ready to saddle up?
Spots are limited at both camps. Register online in about 10 minutes. No printing, no scanning.