One time at band camp

American Idol brands its youth army

What?: Forget Camp America and say hello to camp American Idol. Yes, TV producers Freemantle continue to brand the world like a giant herd of cattle, this time with the introduction of youth-orientated summer camps for budding performers and wannabes. The heavily branded blue and white logo retreats, for 12-to-15-year-olds, currently run for 10 days, but are expected to expand to up to three months.

The sessions offered include singing solo, performing in a band on stage, music video production, improvised acting, choreography, set-building and basic auditioning. The camp ends with a special concert for the doting parents.

The privilege of seeing your child on stage will set you back $2,900 per week

So what?: American idol continues to wring every last conceivable cent out of its franchise. Pushy ‘moms’ everywhere will rejoice at the news of American Idol’s boot camp. I’m sure they will be falling over each other in order to part with $2,900 a week. Now they have the perfect vehicle to raise up the thin hopes of stardom in their offspring’s hearts, only to see it all end in shaven-headed Britney Spears-style tabloid disaster.

If you look under the ‘parent info’ section you can rest safe in the knowledge that American Idol has your child’s best interests at heart. “Breakfast and snack foods generously provided by Pop Tarts,” it tells us.

Let’s hope the tuition is better than the nutrition.

www.idolcamp.com