TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- Those who want to escape the summer heat but still vacation close to home might want to consider heading up the hill to the cool mountain air of Tehachapi Mountain Park.

The Arts Council of Kern and The Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District are sponsoring a three-day music camp, from July 26 to July 28 in the beautiful and rustic County Park facility.

Camp Kiya, as it is called, will provide an opportunity for families and friends, children and adults, to explore traditional music, learn the basics of playing fiddle, guitar, ukulele and whistle, and even learn about our local native culture. Kiya means fun and laughter in the native Kawaisu language, and the camp will offer both in abundance.

This project has been in the talking stage for the last few years among local artists and musicians, and it is finally coming to fruition.

Guest teachers will include Jamie Laval and Jan Tappan on fiddle, with Joe Carven possibly making an appearance if his schedule permits.

Jan Tappan is the director of the Los Angeles Scottish Fiddlers, and is on the board of Alasdair Fraser's California Scottish Fiddlers Association. Zac Leger will join them to teach a host of instruments including guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, and bagpipes.

The facility at Mountain Park is limited to 100 campers.

Applications are available online at www.tvrpd.com. from the Arts Council of Kern and Mountain Music, 206 East F Street, Tehachapi.

The cost for the full three days is $100.

Monday only is $65.00. Children 4 and under are free.

Those under 10 must have a guardian present, and those under 18 need a guardian if they are staying overnight. (The guardian does not have to be a parent.)

Campers can choose to stay in the cabins, their own tents or RVs, or simply go home each night if they live in Tehachapi. Non-camping spouses are welcome to join in for dinner and the two evening programs for a slight fee. Rental instruments are available for a donation to the scholarship fund, but be sure to reserve ahead.

Call 823-9994 for more information.