JULY 18-21, 2024

WHAT IS DRUM/CAMP santa Cruz?

Founded in 2024, DRUM/CAMP Santa Cruz is an overnight Summer Camp experience, featuring outdoor tent camping currently for ages 10-13. Situated in a creative oasis in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this 4-day/3-night Campout specializes in Percussion and Drums, featuring Master Teachers who excel in both performance and education in their area. Surrounded by redwood forest, our Students learn not only to groove together in music and friendship, but also learn skills in camping and living outdoors while respecting the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountain ecosystem.

OUR Mission Statement

At DRUM/CAMP Santa Cruz, we are dedicated to linking outdoor experiences with percussion and music for youth in the beautiful setting of the Central California Coast. Our mission is to provide a unique, safe, and engaging platform where young individuals can explore the beauty of nature while learning the art of percussion music.


We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where our participants can cultivate a deep appreciation for the outdoors and music, fostering personal growth and connections with their surroundings. Through our carefully crafted instruction and activities, we aim to instill a sense of teamwork, discipline, and creativity in our youth, empowering them with valuable skills that extend beyond the realms of music and nature.


By offering a blend of outdoor experiences and percussion music education, we aspire to contribute to the holistic development of our participants, nurturing a passion for both nature and the arts. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire the next generation to embrace the harmonious relationship between outdoor exploration and musical expression, enriching their lives and the communities they belong to.


Join us at DRUM/CAMP Santa Cruz as we embark on a transformative journey that harmonizes the beauty of nature with the rhythm of music, shaping the future leaders of Central California Coast and Bay Areas.

“Drumming is The simplest thing That we Can do To bring us Together.”

Babatunde Olatunji

MEET YOUR CAMP DIRECTOR

Gregory Messa
Professional Percussionist and Educator

Born in Santa Cruz, Gregory Messa is a freelance percussionist with American Federation of Musicians, and has recently most appeared with the Eco Ensemble at UC Berkeley, The Symphony of the Hills, and the San Antonio Opera and Ballet. He can also be heard jamming with bands like Los Nahuatlatos, Rhythm Report, and The Naggins. A husband and father of a young son, Greg has shared the stage with Gregory Porter, Keith Urban, Marin Alsop, Danny Elfman, and Andrea Bocelli among many others, and can also be seen performing worship music each Sunday at Trinity Baptist Church.