'Idol Camp' Bo Bice talks about what's ahead

Monsters and Critics.com - USA - Once an "American Idol" runner-up, singer-songwriter Bo Bice has reinvented himself and established his own recording studio, and released another album, "See the Light."

Bice signed on to be a counselor this summer at Idol Camp, a summer camp in the San Bernardino mountains that caters to musically gifted kids between the ages of 10 and 15.

He was appreciative of the opportunity, and told me he ultimately plans on opening his own camp or school to teach kids the mechanics of music, from learning instruments to acquiring industry savvy.

Hundreds of young "American Idol" hopefuls will head to the hills beginning June 15 to train at Idol Camp at Pali Mountain Retreat and Conference Center.

"This association with 'American Idol' will benefit the Inland Empire. It will bring fame to the area and will raise awareness about our beautiful mountain community not only to the Inland Empire and Southern California but nationally and internationally," Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce President Lewis Murray said at a town hall meeting Monday night at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

For $2,995, campers between 10 and 15 years old will attend two-week sessions, which will run from June through August each year and will feature audition tips, vocal training and "open mic" nights as well as more traditional summer camp events such as swimming, hiking and roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

Though last year's pilot program in Northfield, Massachusetts was successful, organizers thought it would be better to hold the camp closer to the "American Idol" stage near Los Angeles, the hub of the entertainment industry.