Overview
Interlochen Center for the Arts, located in Interlochen, Michigan, is a world-renowned institution that provides a transformative environment for artists and art enthusiasts of all ages. With over 90,000 alumni, Interlochen is recognized for its summer arts camp, year-round Academy, and immersive programs that nurture creativity and artistic expression. Their mission is to foster a sense of community where creativity thrives, and this is embodied in everything from their educational programs to their branded apparel.
Impact and Outcomes
Interlochen approached Threads Custom Gear in Traverse City, Michigan, to create a cohesive line of apparel for their summer camp staff, camp students, as well as year-round faculty and campus security. The goal was to ensure that the branded gear not only fostered a sense of unity among participants but also reflected the prestigious and creative nature of the institution. Additionally, they needed apparel for The Scholarshop, a year-round store offering branded merchandise for Academy students and their families, enabling them to feel connected to the “Interlochen magic.”
Threads Custom Gear worked closely with Interlochen to design and produce a variety of custom apparel, ensuring quality, creativity, and comfort. The product lineup included:
- Camp T-Shirts: Custom screen-printed t-shirts for counselors and camp students that captured the vibrant and artistic energy of the summer arts camp.
- Sweatpants: Comfortable, high-quality sweatpants that provided both camp students and staff with stylish, durable clothing for relaxed camp settings.
- Embroidered Jackets: Campus safety required polished and professional jackets that could withstand outdoor conditions. Threads Custom Gear provided embroidered jackets that reinforced their visible role in maintaining the safety of the camp.
- Polo Shirts: For a more formal yet casual look, branded polo shirts were crafted for camp staff and special events.
- Pom Beanies: To embrace the colder months, the team designed cozy pom beanies for year-round comfort and style, giving both staff and students a trendy look during Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Further Initiatives
Interlochen Day of Caring: Special t-shirts are produced for Interlochen Arts Academy’s Day of Caring, a special Community Service day focusing on campus beautification.
The Scholarshop: The Scholarshop offers a year-round retail experience for Interlochen Academy students and their families. Threads Custom Gear continued their partnership with Interlochen by providing a steady stream of high-quality apparel and merchandise. From t-shirts to jackets, the branded apparel helped Academy students feel part of the broader Interlochen community, while alumni and visitors were able to take home items that embodied the spirit of the institution.
Conclusion
By outfitting Interlochen with carefully curated apparel, Threads Custom Gear helped create a sense of belonging for both summer camp attendees and Academy students. The professional and personalized approach enhanced the overall camp and academic experience, further aligning with Interlochen’s mission of fostering creativity and collaboration. From camp students to safety officers, the Threads-branded gear unified everyone under the shared banner of artistry and community.
Interlochen’s 90,000+ alumni, ranging from young artists to seasoned professionals, continue to wear the iconic gear—spreading the “Interlochen magic” wherever they go.
To learn more, please visit interlochen.org
“Threads Custom Gear has been an outstanding partner for Interlochen Center for the Arts. Their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are reflected in every piece they provide for our camp students, counselors, and staff has helped foster a welcoming sense of community. Continuous restocking of apparel in our Scholarshop ensures we can offer high-quality merchandise year-round. We look forward to continuing this creative partnership.”
