WHAT IS YOUTH ROCK CAMP?
Youth Rock Camp (previously called Girls Rock Camp) is an intensive one-week day camp offered to girls, trans and gender expansive youth, ages 10-18. Campers of all skill levels will: learn guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals; form a band, create a band name and logo; collaboratively write an original song; AND perform at the final Showcase for friends, family, and fans!
In addition to all this, campers will have the opportunity to meet other girls, trans, and gender expansive youth, musicians, and mentors, and participate in enrichment activities such as workshops on media literacy, and screen-printing their own band t-shirts!
In Campers’ Own Words
“You’re going to have a lot of fun and make some great friends and memories!!”
“you’ll have a fun time and always feel safe”
“Riot is an amazing experience, it only gets better as you get further into the weeks and you start to know everybody better.”
“don’t be afraid to be yourself, that’s the best you”
Youth Rock Camp
Stay tuned for announcements about our next Youth Rock Camp programs.
Read on to learn more about how Youth Rock Camp goes!
Need-based financial aid is available on a sliding scale for Youth Rock Camp. No camper turned away for lack of funds.
Youth Rock Camp Full tuition rates will be announced when the next camp is planned. Scholarships are awarded on a need-basis, and are awarded on a sliding scale. Camp sells out very fast, so be sure to sign up as soon as you see the announcement! Sign up for our mailing list to receive announcements about our next Youth Rock Camp program!
**Campers are eligible for our GRIT Intern Training Program when they are 15 or older and have attended Youth Rock Camp at least once. A camper is eligible to become a VIT once they have completed the GRIT program. Staff will reach out to eligible participants who will be required to fill out applications to participate in the GRIT or VIT programs. Both the GRIT and VIT program are free to attend. Registration for these programs will be posted soon
LESSONS
Participants choose one instrument to focus on for the week–drums, bass, guitar, vocals, or keyboards. All instruction happens in small group lessons and is led by experienced and enthusiastic women musicians.
BAND PRACTICE
On the first day, everyone forms bands in a way that is fun, not scary. The bands have band practice every day. During band practice, band members work together to write a song, and practice playing as an ensemble. Band coaches help bands with the writing process, facilitate the rehearsals, and answer questions as necessary. Band counselors help guide campers and help with any bumps along the way.
WORKSHOPS
Throughout the weekend, workshops are held on a variety of interesting, helpful, and fun topics! Some workshops we’ve had in the past include: Songwriting; Relational Aggression (Bullying); Screenprinting & Band Art; Image & Identity; Performance Anxiety & Body Confidence; Media Literacy; Self-Defense; and Zine-making.
LUNCHTIME PERFORMANCES
Each day, one to two visiting artist/bands play a live set, then they stick around to take questions from the group. Past performers have included: Roz Raskin & the Ricecakes; Becky Bass; FINE.; Scarce; 5th Elament; Arch Cape; Malportado Kids; and more!
FINAL SHOWCASE
At the end of the camp week, camper bands perform their original songs at a showcase concert for friends, family, and fans.
A TYPICAL DAY AT YOUTH ROCK CAMP
- 9:00 Morning Assembly
- 9:45 Instrument Lessons
- 10:30 Band Art: silk screening shirts, posters and more
- 11:30 Instrument Lessons
- 12:15 Lunch performances by a local or touring musician/artist/band
- 1:15 Band practice
- 3:30 Media literacy workshop: seeing magazines, television images critically
- 4:30 Closing reflection