Scholarship Info / CD Info

BNC 2000 Pix/BNC 2001 Pix

General and Contact

After the application process was completed, John Yates, WAVF's treasurer, contacted Holly Wooten and told her we would be able to sponsor a scholarship.  We knew we could count on the generosity of BNC alumni for $600.  We just knew it.   And we were right -- we collected $800.  How did it turn out?  Keep reading . . .

	Chris Jackson received full tuition to attend camp.  L to R: John Yates, Holly Wooten, Chris Jackson, Victor Wooten.  Read Chris' comments about camp!
	We had $200 to distribute to another camper.  Vic, Holly and John decided to wait until camp to determine the recipient.  The award went to Danielle Correal Lima, who lives in Brazil, and sold his car in order to attend.  Now that's dedicated motivation.  Read a letter from Daniel Lto R: John Yates, Danielle Correa Lima, Holly Wooten, Chris Jackson, Victor Wooten.
	Carl and Ace Walters could not attend BNC 2001 due to serious illness. They received the WAVF tuition refund presented at the closing function of BNC 2001. They made it this year! Lto R: John Yates, Ace Walters, Carl Walters, Victor Wooten.

Pictures were taken by Steve Mays.  Thanks, Steve!

Peace, Love, Music and Wide Angle Vision to everyone!

Bass/Nature Camp Experience

By Chris Jackson

My Application Is Accepted

Hello, my name is Chris Jackson, and I'd like to tell you a little bit about my Bass/Nature Camp experience.   It began like this:

One day I was surfing the net at work like I normally do. I said to myself, "Let me stop by Vic's and see what's new". The first thing I saw was Bass Camp 2002. Since I didn't get into BNC 2001, I thought I would try this one. So I went ahead and applied. When I learned I was accepted, I went NUTS! But then, as it so happened, my car broke down on me, and fixing it set me back in cash. Way back. So far back that I said to myself that I'd have to let them know that I cannot attend, and I might have to tell them to let someone else take my spot. I had decided to try again next year. I prayed about it, and I asked God that if it was meant for me to go, He would make a way. Well, one Wednesday afternoon I received a phone call. My father had answered, then handed me the phone. The conversation went like this:

I said, "Hello." The person on the other line asked, "Hi, is this Chris?" I said, "Yes." The person said, 'This is Holly Wooten". "OK." Then… "Hey wait a minute…Holly Wooten? As in Victor Wooten's wife?" "Yes."

I was really overwhelmed and confused needless to say. She was calling to see if I was still going, and if so, that she needed my deposit. I told her my situation and told her to let someone else go. She listened until I was finished and then said, "Well, every year we try to give a scholarship to students from overseas and this year we would like to give it to you". That's when I put my hand over the phone went crazy! In short, I received the scholarship award. My prayers were answered. Though I felt like someone from overseas or someone less fortunate deserved it more than I did, I remembered my prayer. So I was ready. I didn't argue.

The Day(s)

The day came to leave. I loaded up my Jeep said goodbye to Mom and Pops, and Edwardsville, Illinois, and I set sail for Bass/Nature Camp in Tennessee. I was "rollin'." The drive wasn't too bad. I had plenty of music to keep me company, such as, "What Did He Say", "Just Add Water", and a few songs I had burned. (smile) When I finally reached my destination, I can remember going through the entrance of the camp and following the directions the camp people gave me. As I was nearing the campsite I looked over to my right, and what do you know, there was Victor and Kaila playing in the grass. I couldn't believe my eyes! This was all too much for me. So this was what it means when people say, "…like a dream come true". I had reached camp. After I signed in and set up my tent, I began to meet people from all walks of life, colors, and creeds. My expectations were surpassed beyond what my mind could conjure and was ready to meet even more people. That day was unbelievable. I had come with the mind to learn a lot about the bass, and maybe a little about nature. But I was beginning to get a feeling, a feeling of something that was hard to express, and I couldn't put a finger on it right away. That feeling turned out to be L-O-V-E. There was an essence of love flowing through that place that was very strong. Everyone was on one accord. There wasn't any segregation or cliques, and making friends was the easiest part of the camp. During those six days my mind was being "blown" away. Some things happened that I never thought I would do. I walked barefoot in the woods blindfolded while holding a thin string, and that was one of the greatest things I had done. I never thought I would jam with J.D. Blair, Christian McBride, or Regi "Teacha" Wooten. Too much to dream of! But it happened!! I knew I would leave BNC a different person.

Victor & the Bass/Nature Camp Staff

The whole time I was there Victor never made himself seem "bigger" than any of us. You would think he was just one of the campers. It was like he had filled out an application like the rest of us. After the first day of drooling it became apparent to me that I was not just a fan but also his friend. He kept things simple and sweet, and made us feel comfortable in everything we did. He even applauded what we thought were mistakes! He showed us how to use what we thought were mistakes and add them to our music. Victor had a great spirit and was very kind. Truly a person of purity! It was a privilege and an honor to spend six days with one of my role models. I can't leave out my other instructors either. The camp wouldn't have been a success without them. They taught us things that were both important and valuable. One more thing: Besides playing bass, one of my favorite things to do is to eat. The food there was awesome each day. Not only was it healthy…it tasted great! I tip my hat to the chefs.

Conclusion

There were many tears shed on the last day of camp. Some may have been sad, some glad. My belief is that a lot of them were tears of love. I left camp with more on my mind than just the bass guitar. I was on a natural high and I never wanted to come down. If I ever get frustrated or down, I can look at pictures or listen to lectures and my mind will go back to Bass/Nature Camp 2002. That was a time I will never forget. Thanks for listening.

Chris Jackson

The BCN is an incredible experience that everyone should live. It is a week with a big family that introduces you as a "Wootie" - understand this as the best person we can be. Victor, Holly, Steve and all the Camp Crew change our lives with their experiences and personalities.

When I applied for the Bass Camp Nature I couldn't imagine that I would be chosen, especially because of the difficulties I would have to face to arrive in Nashville, as I am from Brazil. In spite of these problems, I decided to go anyway. I didn't know exactly how it would be, but I knew it would be unforgettable. So, I sold my car to buy US dollars (you know...things in Brazil are not easy!).

At the Camp, I understood the relation between Music and Nature. This experience made me think not only about my career as a musician, but also about life, family, Earth and Love. My VISION is WIDE now! The YinYang is now a way of life for me.

Finally, I am very proud of having become a Wootie and I will never forget those days. Victor, Holly, Steve, Adam, Anthony and all the Camp Crew treated me like a son, and everybody who goes to the Camp with an open mind will feel surprised and will really feel like a member of the big Wooten family, and will also never forget that we all belong to the big Earth family. I thank everybody who participated in the best moments of my life!

Daniel Lima - Brazil/2002