The Langley ukulele camp is more than just music lessons. It helps children discover their love for music, form strong friendships, and build self-esteem. Organized by the Langley Ukulele Association, this five-day summer camp runs from August 18 to 22 at Yorkson Creek Middle School in Willoughby.
Dozens of children have already signed up, and more are expected in the coming days. The camp is open to kids between the ages of six and twelve. Over the course of the week, they will learn to play the ukulele and prepare for a final concert for their families and friends.
Peter Luongo, president of the Langley Ukulele Association and director of the senior B ensemble, said the camp plays a big role in keeping the association strong. It acts as the first step for many children who later join the Langley Uke Ensemble, which currently has around 100 young members.
“If we don’t have camps and have kids sign up (for the ensemble) in September, senior A withers and dies,” Luongo explained. “This is our feeding system.”
He added that the camp gives children their first experience with the ukulele and introduces them to the joy of playing music with others. It also prepares them to become part of a larger musical group if they wish to continue.
Throughout the camp, kids learn music in a fun and supportive setting. Each session is filled with hands-on learning and group play. According to Luongo, students show amazing progress from the first day to the final concert.
The children not only learn from teachers but also from each other. Practicing together helps them grow faster and gives them a clear goal—performing confidently on the last day.
This year, the teaching team includes a former student who once sat in the same seats. Sixteen-year-old Simon Gileff of Maple Ridge first joined the camp eight years ago. After watching the Langley Ukulele Association on YouTube, he and four of his siblings decided to give it a try.
Gileff quickly fell in love with the instrument, the group, and the experience. Over the years, he moved up through different levels of the ensemble. Now, for the first time, he is back at camp—this time as a teacher for the intermediate group.
He said he’s excited to pass on what he’s learned. He hopes to spark the same passion in new students that once lit up his own path. Gileff is even thinking about a future career in teaching music.
For many young musicians, the Langley ukulele camp is only the beginning. Some go on to perform across Canada and even internationally. Past tours have included stops in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Nova Scotia.
But for most kids, the true reward lies in the music they make, the joy they feel, and the friends they meet. Whether they dream of the big stage or just want to have fun, the camp offers a place where they can grow.
With strong support from dedicated leaders and young mentors like Gileff, the Langley ukulele camp continues to help young people shine—one chord at a time.
