Meet Olivia

Olivia has attended Masterpiece camps from 2022-2024. Hear about all the incredible things she experiences in the average week at camp!

I’ve been trying to pin down what a day at Masterpiece feels like, and the best word I can come up with is “alive”. Every moment hums with creativity, connection, and the sense that something incredible could happen at any second. The schedule is there, sure, but the real magic comes from how each day seems to take on a life of its own, shaped by the people and the moments we share. Here’s a glimpse into one of those unforgettable days:

Mornings at camp are like a gentle nudge from God to get moving—even if you stayed up way too late the night before swapping stories, laughing until your stomach hurt, or singing random songs under the stars. Rolling out of bed is easier when you know a warm, welcoming breakfast is waiting. And the prayers before meals? Those aren’t just routine; they’re these beautiful little pockets of inspiration, often as creative as the art we make.

After breakfast, it’s time to dive into studio sessions, and for me, that meant the songwriting studio. Those hours were everything. Just me, my guitar, and the chance to wrestle with melodies and lyrics in the company of other passionate artists. There’s something so freeing about creating without distractions, guided by instructors who genuinely care about helping you grow. It’s a kind of focused joy I’ve rarely felt anywhere else.

But Masterpiece isn’t just about staying in your comfort zone. The weekly workshops you select—improv and filmmaking for me—pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Whether it was thinking on my feet in improv or learning how to tell a story visually in filmmaking, those moments reminded me how important it is to keep exploring, to let yourself stumble and grow. The lessons weren’t just technical; they were about seeing the world and myself a little differently.

Afternoons usually brought on the “Fab Collab”, where the whole camp came together to work on a massive group project. It was equal parts chaos and brilliance. Everyone brought their own unique spark to the table, and somehow, all the wild ideas would blend into something meaningful by the end of the week. It wasn’t always smooth sailing—teamwork rarely is—but the end result always made the challenges worth it.

And then there’s the evening. Open Mic was hands down my favorite part of the day. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to stand in front of a group of people who genuinely *get* it—who see art as more than just a hobby. Whether it was performing a song I’d just finished, cheering for someone’s hilarious skit, or being moved by a heartfelt poem, Open Mic felt like pure magic. It was a reminder that creativity isn’t just about making something; it’s about sharing it and letting it connect you to others.

The night didn’t end there, of course. Late-night talks, stargazing on the hill, and those little moments of quiet reflection with friends made the days feel complete. Every conversation, every laugh, every whispered prayer seemed to weave together into this tapestry of belonging and purpose.

Masterpiece isn’t just a camp; it’s a celebration of what it means to be both an artist and a person of faith. Being surrounded by people who love God and the arts as much as I do showed me that my gifts matter—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re a reflection of the Ultimate Creator. I came to camp unsure of my place in the world of art. I left knowing that my creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a calling.