WHAT IS YOUTH ROCK CAMP?

Youth Rock Camp (previously called Girls Rock Camp) is an intensive one-week day camp offered to youth ages 10-18, where campers of all skill levels have the opportunity to learn guitar, bass, drums, vocals, or other instruments. Campers will also form a band, 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 nonbinary youth, musicians, and mentors, and participate in enrichment activities such as workshops on media literacy or screen-printing. GRR! welcomes campers that identify as female, trans, and gender expansive.

Check out tons of pictures, videos, and blog entries by our Girls Rock Internship & Training (GRIT) and Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) program participants on our blog!

Youth Rock Camp 2020:

SESSION 1: July 6th-11th, 2020 for campers ages 10-13 (in or entering middle school age, 5th-8th grade) at the Rhode Island Philharmonic in East Providence, capacity of 40

SESSION 2: August 10th-15th, 2020 for campers ages 14-18 (in or entering high school age, 9th-12th grade) at JamStage in Pawtucket, capacity of 30

Needs-based financial aid is available for Youth Rock Camp. No camper turned away for lack of funds.

Youth Rock Camp and GRIT/VIT** registration will open on Saturday, February 22nd at 9am. Scholarships are awarded on a need-basis, and are awarded on a sliding scale. Full tuition is $395. 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 Youth Rock Camp 2020!

**A camper is eligible to become a GRIT when they are 15 or older and have attended Girls Rock Camp (Youth Rock Camp) at least once, plus at least one other GRR! program (camp or afterschool programming equivalent). 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.

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 GIRLS 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