Impact
“I have never felt such a strong sense of community as I have at Girls Rock. I’ve made stronger and longer lasting friendships in a week at camp than over the entire school year. And because Girls Rock is so accepting of everyone, we are giving this feeling of community-of belonging to the people who need it most. The people who are not yet fully accepted by society, or just those that have trouble making friends. That is the greatest gift camp gives us: a place where we truly belong, not just a part of every person, but the entire person. Just the way we are. I gained so much at Girls Rock. Experience performing in front of people, working with a team, but also something as basic as more self esteem. I can thank camp for really helping to make me the person I am today.”
Zora, camper, age 15
WHO WE ARE:
Girls Rock! Rochester (GR!R) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Rochester, NY dedicated to using music creation and performance as tools for cultivating self-confidence in girls and trans youth. We foster creativity while building a supportive community of peers and mentors and develop life and leadership skills to affect positive social change.
WHY WE MATTER:
GR!R values music as a powerful vehicle for personal growth, as a constructive approach to fighting oppression, and as a means to promote collaboration and community. We seek to address the underrepresentation of women and trans people and prioritize offering our programs to these traditionally oppressed groups because we feel they, beginning at an early age, experience social inequality and discrimination. GR!R recognizes the importance of diversity in all forms and we strive to provide a safe and accessible environment for personal and creative exploration. At GR!R we encourage all voices and stories to be shared and heard.
WHO WE SERVE:
GR!R is committed to establishing a balanced and diverse camp population in relation to instrument, age, previous musical experience, economic status, geography and community. GR!R does not discriminate against applicants based on their socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, race, or ethnic background.
OF OUR CAMPERS RECEIVE FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND OUR SUMMER CAMP
As a parent and a professional touring musician for most of my life I can say that Girls Rock is one of the most inspiring events I’ve seen. I would have loved something like this when I was growing up. The counselors are showing girls how to believe in themselves, showing them the many aspects it takes to be a musician, to be in a band, to collaborate and to have confidence.
Dennis Casey
Flogging Molly
This camp was so well thought out and executed. I can’t say enough about the impact Queer Rock camp has had on my son and will continue to have on his confidence and drumming skills. The kids could be who they are through the supportive staff and all the creative choices and details of the camp. Some of the highlights were the band t-shirts (designed by the kids), the photo shoot, the clothes exchange, the instrument instruction, and the band showcase at Record Archive. We can’t wait for next year! Again, I can’t say enough good things about this camp! Thank you Kaci & team!
~a Queer Rock Camper’s Mom
I loved my time at Girls Rock camp. I’ll always remember my band concerts and trying new things each year has made me a better musician. Girls Rock is my favorite part of summer!
Leah, camper, age 11
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News Articles:
The Rochester 10: Rochesterians doing great things in the community
City Newspaper, December 31, 2014
Girls Rock Out at a Unique Summer Camp
Spectrum News Rochester, August 4, 2015
Girls Rock Rochester empowers girls and Transgender Youth
13 Wham, August 6, 2016
Queer Rock Camp amplifies voices of LGBTQ and gender expansive youth
City Newspaper, June 20, 2018
From Mozart to [Bruno] Mars: area rock camps cater to all kids
585 Magazine, January 2019
Previous Camp Programs: