The Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp is a one-of-a-kind, inclusive day camp that provides opportunities for musical expression, enjoyment, and interaction for all persons with special needs and their siblings.
Organized in two sessions, based on age, RicStar's 2020 Camp will take place on:
This camp was created to honor Eric Winter, a 12-year old CMS music therapy client with cerebral palsy who had a passion for music and a dream of starting a music therapy camp. Shortly after his passing in 2003, Eric’s parents, Dick and Judy Winter, along with Cindy Edgerton, CMS' Director of Music Therapy Clinical Services, made the dream a reality and founded RicStar's Camp. Eric's parents continue to honor their son as advocates for individuals with special needs, with his mother, Judy Winter, leading the way as an author, speaker, and nationally recognized voice on special needs parenting issues. Learn about Judy's commitment and work.
Congratulations to Judy Winter for being selected as a 2019 L'Oréal Paris "Women of Worth" Honoree - one of ten women from across the country! Recognized for her selfless advocacy and commitment to the ongoing success of RicStar's Camp, Judy has been awarded $10,000 for the camp and is now in the running to be named the National Woman of Worth, receiving an additional $25,000! All it takes is your vote.
Please also share her story and help bring awareness to this one-of-a-kind camp.
During each camp, the days will be filled with fun and engaging music therapy activities, including song writing, rock 'n' roll combo, beats and blues, percussion playing, improvisation, and more! On the final day of each camp session, friends and family are invited to attend the Be A Star Showcase - a concert proudly performed by RicStar's campers, siblings, volunteers, and music therapists. Check out the fun from last year!
The success of RicStar's camp would not be possible without amazing volunteers. Focused on ability and inclusion, this incredible camp provides life-changing experiences for everyone involved, including volunteers. There are two volunteer options:
Become a Volunteer or BuddyUp
There are different music therapy groups, all divided according to age, which require volunteers and BuddyUps to help them run smoothly. What's the difference between a volunteer and a BuddyUp?
To become a volunteer or BuddyUp
For more information, contact Cindy Edgerton at edgerto3@msu.edu
Discover more about the history and successes of the Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp.
Judy Winter, 2019 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree
October 15, 2019, Judy Winter was named a 2019 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree for her selfless advocacy for children with special needs and commitment to the ongoing success of RicStar's Camp. Judy was one of ten women from across the nation to be selected for this prestigious award and recognized for her extraordinary work to make a difference in the world. In support of Judy's mission, she was awarded $10,000 to go toward RicStar's Camp and through November 15, 2019, participated in an online/social media campaign to gain enough votes to be named the L'Oreal Paris National Women of Worth and receive an additional $25,000 for camp. This national recognition of Judy and RicStar's Camp is an inspiration and honor. Read Judy's story and vote!
2017 State of Michigan Special Tribute to the Eric "RicStar" Winter Music Therapy Camp - 15th Anniversary
On June 15, 2017, State Representative, Samir Singh, along with State Senator, Curtis Hertel Jr., signed an official State of Michigan Special Tribute commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Eric "RicStar" Winter Music Therapy Camp as well as commending Dick and Judy Winter, the MSU Community Music School, and the many selfless individuals for making this camp a success and providing the life-changing benefits to individuals of all abilities throughout Michigan. View the State of Michigan Tribute
2013 Advocate of Music Therapy Award
Dick and Judy Winter, co-founders of RicStar's Camp were awarded the Advocate of Music Therapy Award at the 2013 American Music Therapy Association conference in Jacksonville, Florida. The purpose of this award is to honor a person(s) who is not a music therapist, but who has significantly contributed to the music therapy field. Nominated by the Michigan Music Therapists Executive Board, the Winters have been recognized both state-wide and nationally for their advocacy.
Learn more about the American Music Therapy Association
View full list of American Music Therapy Associations award recipients
Couple receives music therapy award (Michigan Music Therapists, Feb. 2014)
2012 City of East Lansing Crystal Award
Congratulations to RicStar's Camp at the MSU Community Music School - winner of a 2012 City of East Lansing Crystal Award. This program honors individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses that have gone above and beyond to enhance the quality of life in East Lansing. RicStar's Camp was the recipient in the Business category.
Read the full recipient bio
Community Music School, Professor Dale Bartlett Recognized with City of East Lansing Crystal Awards (MSU College of Music, 2012)
Give to the Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp Scholarship Fund.