'Idol' summer camp considering expanding duration and locations

American Idol is reportedly looking to further its educational outreach.


Idol Camp -- the Fox mega-hit's Northfield, MA-based performing arts summer camp for young teenagers that launched July 7 -- is looking to expand over the next few years by lengthening its duration from one month to three and adding a West Coast location, Reuters reported Tuesday.

"So much funding for performing arts programs has been drying up over the last few years, so we are really just trying to fill that gap and encourage kids to extend themselves, take risks and pursue their dreams," FreemantleMedia director Felicity Carr told Reuters.  "Ideally I would like to see our program reaching all around the U.S. and also touching kids from a whole variety of backgrounds and different cultures."

FreemantleMedia and 19 Entertainment bill Idol Camp as a "fun-filled and non-competitive training ground" for future Idol hopefuls.  The 10-day program includes a variety of classes that educate participants on singing, dancing, acting, songwriting and audition techniques. 

Season 5 finalist Bucky Covington; Season 4 finalist Vonzell Solomon; Season 3 finalist Jon Peter Lewis; and Season 2 finalists Kimberley Locke and Carmen Rasmusen are among the former Idol finalists who have been teaching at this year's camp,